Home care worker accused of stealing thousands from client

Police are looking for a former home care worker suspected of accepting an $11 check from an 85-year-old client and altering the check to read $11,000 before depositing it into her account.

Christina M. Mendez, 29, of the 2100 block of Lester Avenue, is charged with one count of forgery over $2,500. The charge is a third-degree felony count.

A warrant has been issued for Mendez’s arrest. A cash-only bond has been set at $10,000.

Las Cruces Police detectives learned that Mendez used to work for Crossroads In-Home Care and, prior to October 2015, cared for an 85-year-old man. Detectives discovered that on Oct. 23, 2015, Mendez took the gentleman to dinner at which time she requested money for gasoline.

Detectives learned that the 85-year-old man gave Mendez a check for $11. However, when Mendez deposited the check into her account, the amount had been altered to read $11,000.

Detectives found clear evidence that the check had been altered and recovered video surveillance from her bank which indicates that Mendez is the one who deposited the check. Detectives also learned that Crossroads In-Home Care forbids its employees from accepting gifts from clients.

Mendez is Hispanic, 5-feet-1-inches tall and weighs approximately 155 pounds. She has brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information on Mendez’s whereabouts is asked to call police at (575) 526-0795.