SANTA MONICA—The Santa Monica Police Department is asking the public’s help to locate additional victims who may have been targeted by Diana George and a male suspect believed to be Richard Ely.
According to the SMPD, George has been identified in two incidents targeting elderly victims in Santa Monica during January and February 2019. During the incidents, George and a male suspect entered the victim’s homes by either posing as gardeners or by pretending to be new neighbors. Once inside the home, George would distract the resident by asking for a glass of water, while Ely scoured the house for jewelry and cash.
George and Ely were recently arrested in Illinois for a burglary they committed at an elderly victim’s home. Both suspects have a criminal history of thefts involving elderly individuals, and have felony warrants for similar crimes in other states.
The SMPD is seeking additional information regarding incidents with similar circumstances involving Goerge and Ely. Anyone who may have been a target is asked to contact Detective Tavera at (310) 458-2256 or the Watch Commander (24 hours) at (310) 458-2249.
