Mother-daughter team allegedly rips off elderly El Segundo man

A mother and daughter team allegedly bilked a 90-year-old El Segundo man of more than $20,000 and conned him into buying them a Mercedes-Benz, police said Thursday.

Detectives arrested the mother on Nov. 3, but the daughter remains at large.

The victim told officers he had no idea how he met the pair, who police believe are part of a transitory group of thieves who run cons and take advantage of elderly people, El Segundo police Lt. Ray Garcia said.

Employees at a Bank of America branch in the 800 block of North Sepulveda Boulevard called police Oct. 29 when the elderly man appeared confused as he tried to withdraw $10,000, Garcia said.

Bank employees considered the transaction suspicious because the man said he was giving the funds to someone, but could not remember their names, Garcia said.

Investigators identified the pair as Debby Frank, 52, left, and her 29-year-old daughter, Rosa, Garcia said.

Detectives discovered the victim had suffered a financial loss exceeding $20,000 and was conned into buying a late-model Mercedes-Benz.

"Rosa and Debby also attempted to have the victim purchase two new luxury vehicles totaling $150,000, but the transaction was never completed," Garcia said. "The victim has no recollection of purchasing the Mercedes or attempting to purchase the two other cars."

Detectives tracked information that led to the mother, who was charged with elder abuse. The Mercedes was recovered.

The daughter remains outstanding, wanted on suspicion of elderly abuse and conspiracy. She is known to frequent areas in and around Harbor City, Downey and Riverside.

Detectives suspect the crime against the elderly man occurred sometime during the last three to four weeks.

"We believe there are other victims out there," Garcia said.

Police asked anyone with information about the Franks to call Detective Eric Atkinson at 310-524-2216 or eatkinson@elsegundo.org.