2 Fake Nurses Who Stole From Elderly Residents at Senior Living Community Arrested

Two women have been arrested on multiple charges related to a series of thefts targeting elderly residents in Central Texas. Gina Hernandez, 32, and Elsa Vasquez, 30, were arrested on May 8 by the Austin Police Department based on warrants obtained by the Hays County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) for offenses including nurse impersonation and exploitation of the elderly.

Investigation Uncovers Pattern of Senior Scams

The investigation began in March, when HCSO detectives received reports of thefts from residents at a senior living community in Buda. According to an HCSO news release, the incidents followed a similar pattern: a woman dressed in scrubs would pose as a nurse or health attendant, distracting the victims with a bogus health evaluation. After the imposter left, the residents discovered that their wallets, along with financial and identifying documents, were missing. In some cases, victims only realized they had been targeted after their banks flagged unusual account activity.

Suspects Identified 

HCSO Criminal Investigations Division (CID) detectives identified Hernandez and Vasquez as the suspects after linking them to the unauthorized use of victims' bank cards at Austin-area restaurants and businesses. Officials discovered that the two suspects attempted to purchase electronics, including televisions and smartwatches, using the stolen cards. 

During the investigation, it was confirmed that neither Hernandez nor Vasquez are licensed nurses with the Texas Board of Nursing, despite presenting themselves as healthcare professionals to gain access to their victims. 

Expanded List of Charges

HCSO obtained multiple felony warrants for both suspects, including:

• Credit/Debit Card Abuse of the Elderly (Third-Degree Felony, 12 counts each)
• Theft from an Elderly Individual (Third-Degree Felony, Hernandez: 3 counts, Vasquez: 4 counts)
• Exploitation of the Elderly (Third-Degree Felony, 3 counts each)
• Impersonating a Nurse (Class A Misdemeanor, 3 counts each)

Additional Travis County charges against Hernandez include:

• Burglary of a Habitation (Second-Degree Felony, 3 counts)
• Credit/Debit Card Abuse of the Elderly (Third-Degree Felony, 2 counts)
• Exploitation of the Elderly (Third-Degree Felony, 1 count)

Hernandez also faces two additional charges of third-degree felony credit/debit card abuse of the elderly in Williamson County.

Arrest and Bond Details

On May 8, Hernandez and Vasquez were taken into custody by the Austin Police Department and booked into the Travis County Jail, where HCSO warrants were served. Hernandez remains in custody with a total bond set at $214,000 for the Hays County charges, while Vasquez was released after posting a total bond of $22,000.

Ongoing Investigation

HCSO officials believe the pair may have targeted elderly individuals across the Central Texas region, including areas from Georgetown to Kyle. Authorities encourage residents to be cautious about unexpected visitors posing as medical professionals. Additional victims or those with information related to this case are urged to contact Detective Jessica Barkley at jessica.barkley@hayscountytx.gov.

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