Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced on May 13 that Shaohua Sun of Monterey Park and Yanwen Gu of Rosemead each pleaded guilty to felony conspiracy to commit elder abuse. The pleas followed an investigation by the Ventura Police Department, which stopped the defendants from further exploiting a local senior citizen.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about scams targeting elderly individuals, who are often seen as particularly vulnerable. Law enforcement officials urge families and caregivers to remain vigilant against such schemes.
According to prosecutors, on March 18 a local senior received a text message about an alleged $350 Apple Store purchase and was directed by phone to contact someone posing as the “Ventura County Credit Union Fraud Department.” An unidentified co-conspirator falsely claimed the victim’s account was linked to illegal content in Canada. The victim was told by someone identifying herself as “Jade” to withdraw $25,000 in cash and deliver it using a code phrase at a meeting spot in Ventura. After handing over the money, the victim and his spouse suspected fraud and contacted police.
The following day, detectives were interviewing the victim when he received another call requesting $50,000. Detectives arranged for another meeting with suspects under surveillance. Yanwen Gu approached the victim for what she believed was $50,000; officers arrested her after she tried to flee on foot. Shaohua Sun acted as lookout during this exchange and was also arrested.
District Attorney Nasarenko said: “Thanks to the outstanding investigative work and quick coordination by the Ventura Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit, these defendants were stopped before they could further exploit a vulnerable senior citizen.” He added: “These scams are designed to prey on fear and isolation, and they can happen to anyone. We encourage families, neighbors, and caregivers to regularly check in with the elderly members of our community and remind them to never hand over money.”
Ventura Police Chief David Dickey said: “The victim’s decision to give us a call and work with our detectives was critical in helping us stop this scam before additional money was lost.” He continued: “These scams are highly sophisticated and often target older adults. We encourage all community members to have conversations with their loved ones about these tactics and to report suspicious circumstances or activity immediately.”
Gu is scheduled for sentencing on June 9 at Ventura County Superior Court; Sun will be sentenced June 12. Both face up to four years in custody followed by two years of probation.
