Gina Hernandez (left) and Elsa Vasquez. (Hays County Sheriff’s Office)
BUDA, Texas – Two women from Austin have been arrested for allegedly impersonating healthcare professionals and committing thefts against elderly residents in Hays County.
Incident Overview:
Gina Hernandez and Elsa Vasquez have been charged following an investigation into thefts targeting residents of a senior living facility in Buda. The Hays County Sheriff’s Office indicated that the cases shared a common pattern: a female dressed in medical scrubs posed as a nurse or healthcare aide, conducting what appeared to be health evaluations.
Unfortunately, these visits turned out to be tactics to distract victims while their wallets and personal identification documents were stolen. Many victims only realized the theft occurred after their financial institutions alerted them to unexpected activity on their accounts.
The suspects attempted to use the stolen financial information at various establishments throughout Austin, purchasing items such as televisions and smartwatches. Further investigation revealed that neither Hernandez nor Vasquez holds a nursing license in Texas.
Charges Filed:
Details of the Charges:
Hernandez faces:
- 12 counts of third-degree felony credit/debit card abuse of the elderly
- 3 counts of third-degree felony theft from an elderly individual
- 3 counts of third-degree felony exploitation of the elderly
- 3 counts of impersonating a nurse, a Class A misdemeanor
Vasquez is charged with:
- 12 counts of third-degree felony credit/debit card abuse of the elderly
- 4 counts of third-degree felony theft from an elderly individual
- 3 counts of third-degree felony exploitation of the elderly
- 3 counts of impersonating a nurse, a Class A misdemeanor
According to the Hays County Sheriff’s Office, the suspects are believed to have operated in Central Texas, spanning from Georgetown to Kyle, and they have outstanding warrants for similar offenses from various agencies.
Current Status:
The Austin Police Department apprehended the pair on May 8, after which they were booked into Travis County Jail. Hernandez remains in custody on a combined bond of $214,000 for the charges in Hays County, while Vasquez was released on a bond totaling $22,000.
Community Advisory:
Local residents are urged to exercise caution regarding visits from unfamiliar individuals and can request a patrol officer to check on suspicious activities by calling 512-393-7896.
Authorities believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward. Those with further information regarding this case can reach out to Detective Jessica Barkley via email.
Source: Information in this report was provided by the Hays County Sheriff’s Office.
