Watsonville Police Arrest Capitola Woman for Elder Abuse

On Wednesday, Watsonville police arrested Capitola resident Morgan Rebecca Stuart on charges of elder abuse for financial gain.

During a year-long investigation, Watsonville police learned that Stuart, 53, had obtained a brand new vehicle and $101,884.00 in cash from a 78-year-old Watsonville resident.

Stuart acknowledged receipt of the vehicle and funds, but insisted that the vehicle and money were gifted to her to help her promote her hospitality business, and to pay medical expenses, according to Watsonville police.

The victim and her family allege that Stuart befriended and manipulated the victim, and later took financial advantage of their relationship.

The investigation revealed that Stuart was incarcerated for one year in Federal Prison for credit card fraud in the early 1990s, and had embezzlement charges filed against her in 1994 by a former employer in Campbell.

Watsonville police encourage anyone with information about the case to call Police Detective Bailey at 768-3358 or the Watsonville Police Anonymous Tip line at 768-3544.