On September 26, 2005, at 1:30 pm, Santa Monica Police responded to the 1400 block of 11th Street regarding a fraud suspect there now. When officers arrived they spoke to an employee at the American Red Cross who said the suspect said she was victim from Hurricane Katrina and was in need of financial and housing support. The suspect applied and received a hotel voucher valued at $665.00 and additional cash for miscellaneous expenses. Preliminary investigation revealed the suspect claimed that she purchased a home in New Orleans and it was destroyed as a result of the hurricane. However, inquires into various computer databases revealed that neither suspect had ties to the Louisiana area.
Two suspects were arrested involved in this incident. Suspect 1 is identified as Laurette Ollar Karaba, Female, White, 32, transient. Suspect 2 is identified as Derrek Orlando Wilkerson, Male, Black, 37, of Canoga Park. Both suspects were booked for burglary, grand theft, obtaining money under false pretense, conspiracy, and probation violation. Bail has been set at $20,000.
On September 28, 2005, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed felony charges against Laurette Ollar Karaba and Derrek Orlando Wilkerson. Both were charged with 1 count of second degree burglary and 2 counts of grand theft.
