Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office press release:

On 07-08-2014, at approximately 10:30 a.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office was notified of possible Elder Abuse. The adult daughter of the 78 year old male victim reported she hired a woman named Cassandra Baird to take care of her father who had health issues. The daughter lives in Trinity County and hired a caregiver that she located on Craigslist. The daughter met with Baird, interviewed her and hired her for the job.

Shortly after hiring Baird, the daughter told her to drive her father to the bank and withdraw $300 from his account to buy him groceries. The daughter checked the account online two days later and learned that $3,000 was withdrawn from the bank account, not $300. When the daughter questioned Baird about the discrepancy, Baird told the daughter it was a mistake and she would put the money back. The daughter checked with the bank and learned the money was never replaced. The daughter followed up further and learned her father was being left alone by Baird, and had taken his vehicle.

The deputy conducted a warrant check on Baird and learned she was wanted on two arrest warrants, and was on probation.

A deputy responded to the father’s residence in the 4000 block of D street, Eureka. When the deputy arrived, he met with the father who was alone. The victim was transported to the relative’s residence where he is being cared for.

The investigating deputy spoke with neighbors and asked them to call law enforcement if Baird showed up. At approximately 1:15 p.m., a neighbor notified the Sheriff’s Office had Baird returned with the victim’s vehicle. The deputy responded and contacted Baird who was in the driveway of the residence. When the deputy contacted Baird she initially told him a false name, but later admitted she was Cassandra Maria Baird. The deputy questioned Baird about the situation and missing money. Baird admitted to taking the money and told the deputy she was addicted to methamphetamines and heroin. The deputy recovered approximately $1000 of the 78 year old victim’s money in Baird’s possession and returned it to the family. The deputy also located approximately .1 gram of methamphetamine and approximately 7 grams of heroin in Baird’s possession.

Cassandra Maria Baird, 25 years old, from Eureka, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, elder abuse, possession of an illicit drug, giving false identification to a police officer, probation violation and on the two arrest warrants. She was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional facility where her bail was set at $60,000.

 Anyone with information for the Sheriffs Office regarding this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Sheriffs Office at 707-445-7251 or the Sheriffs Office Crime Tip line at 707-268-2539.