Photo: Perlita Afanacioi Ballester
SACRAMENTO – The thief presented herself as a psychic with a promise that she would return to the 1400 block of Helmsman Way with double the money she was given.
When the victim’s returned to where they were to meet the scammer, and receive their larger take, they found out that the suspect had fled with over $100,000.
During the investigation that followed, detectives circulated descriptions and a photograph of the scammer. Media outlets, social media and Crime Stoppers all served as platforms for the information.
This effort led to the identification of 29-year-old Perlita Afanacioi-Ballester as the thief in question. Investigators also discovered more victims of her wiles.
Perlita was arrested on January 28 in Orange County. The felony charges she faces include grand theft and false personation.
