A former caregiver is scheduled to be sentenced this week in Clark County District Court after being accused of stealing more than $250,000 from an elderly Boulder City woman she was hired to help during a difficult period in her life.
Court records show Esmeralda Mascaro, 49, was arrested in January on two counts of theft exceeding $100,000 and one count of exploiting an older or vulnerable person involving more than $5,000.
Victim
Mascaro’s client was 77-year-old Lynne Crose, a retired preschool teacher. Crose told 8 News Now she met Mascaro about three years ago when her husband was receiving hospice care.
“The reason we got Esmeralda was she took care of my husband. She was working for hospice,” Crose said.
Crose said her husband of 55 years later died. About six months before his death, Crose’s only child died of a heart attack in Oregon. Mascaro continued caring for Crose after those losses.
“She was just so sweet and so nice and would do anything for me,” Crose said. “I became very comfortable with her. She was like my kid.”
Allegations
According to Crose, Mascaro gradually gained her trust and allegedly convinced her that surviving family members were stealing from her. Crose said Mascaro encouraged her to sign over power of attorney.
Last fall, Crose said she began noticing missing money from her bank account. She later learned from her bank that Mascaro had allegedly written checks to herself.
“She just screwed me over basically,” Crose said. “She was so convincing.”
Crose estimates the total loss at approximately $250,000.
Charges
Mascaro was arrested earlier this year and later entered an Alford plea in February to a charge involving the isolation of an older or vulnerable person. An Alford plea allows a defendant to maintain innocence while acknowledging that prosecutors likely have enough evidence for a conviction.
Sentencing is scheduled for Thursday.
Restitution
In court filings submitted last week, Mascaro’s attorney stated that she dissolved a trust set up in Crose’s name and agreed to repay at least $76,000 in restitution. Crose said that amount would not fully compensate for the losses.
Mascaro’s attorneys are seeking probation, which could allow her to avoid prison time.
Reaction
Crose expressed frustration over the possibility of a lighter sentence.
“If the girls and I had it our way, she would either be incarcerated, or they would ship her back to Peru,” Crose said.
Crose’s current caregiver, Kayla Zomerdyk, said Mascaro’s actions violated fundamental caregiving standards.
“You’re absolutely unethical as a caregiver,” Zomerdyk said. “It crosses every boundary and every line. She should be held accountable.”
Court
The final sentencing decision rests with the judge. Prosecutors and defense attorneys are expected to present arguments regarding punishment, restitution, and probation conditions.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about financial exploitation of older and vulnerable adults by trusted caregivers.
FAQs
Who is the caregiver accused in the case?
Esmeralda Mascaro, age 49.
How much money was allegedly stolen?
More than $250,000, according to the victim.
Who was the victim?
77-year-old Boulder City resident Lynne Crose.
What plea did Mascaro enter?
She entered an Alford plea in February.
When is sentencing scheduled?
Sentencing is scheduled for Thursday.
