SANTA ANA, Calif. – A caretaker was convicted and sentenced to eight years and eight months in state prison today for stealing approximately $1 million from an 88-year-old man with dementia.

Circumstances of the Case #17HF1466

• At the time of the crimes, the defendant was in a position of trust as an in-home caretaker for Frank F., an 88-year-old man with dementia.
• Between December 2015 and March 2017, the defendant stole nearly $1 million from the victim by depleting his bank accounts, burglarizing his home, and making purchases on his credit cards. He spent the victim's money to make personal purchases including but not limited to vehicles, narcotics, gasoline and fast food.
• Barandiaran made the victim sign over his power of attorney to him, which medical experts later determined the victim did not have the capacity to sign or understand what he was doing.
• The defendant took out a reverse mortgage on the victim's home and attempted to sell the property without the victim's knowledge or consent.
• On Nov. 13, 2017, the Orange County Sheriff's Department, who investigated this case, arrested the defendant on the arrest warrant.

Circumstances of Case #17HM05673

• On April 23, 2017, Barandiaran was pulled over for not stopping at a red signal. The defendant then failed to provide proof of insurance and he was driving on a suspended license.

Circumstances of Case #17HM10918

• On May 9, 2017, Barandiaran was arrested by the Orange County Sheriff's Department (OCSD) for the possession of more than 28.5 grams of marijuana or more than 4 grams of concentrated cannabis.

Circumstances of Case #17HF0877

• On June 25, 2017 Barandiaran was driving on a suspended license and evading police while driving recklessly following a hit and run. The defendant resisted arrest when stopped by OCSD in Mission Viejo.
• At the time of the crime, the defendant was in possession of body armor and stolen property including a license plate and the personal identifying information of Frank F., John Doe, and Jane Doe.

At the sentencing today, Frank F.'s attorney submitted a victim impact statement on behalf of his family, as he passed away before the case was resolved. The statement described how the defendant had “brainwashed” the victim into granting him access to his bank accounts and investments. It stated in part, “[Frank's daughter] was glad to be able to tell her father before he died, however, that ‘Nash' had been arrested and was being prosecuted for his crimes.”

Prosecutor: Senior Deputy District Attorney Marc Labreche, Major Fraud Unit

Orange County District Attorney /Case # Various / June 25, 2018