May 30, 2005
Tale of elder abuse in San Leandro
In Sunday's San Francisco Chronicle, Chip Johnson recalls how San Leandro's Mary Basera was abused when she took in Lena Bianco and her husband.
Basera, who was more than 80 years old at the time, soon had her bank account emptied and her house became a haven for ex-convicts. After seeing the unemployed Bianco driving a new car with new clothes and jewelry, Basera's neighbor, Tom Scovill, discovered that Bianco had obtained a power of attorney from Basera and obtained a second mortgage on Basera's house.
It got worse from there. By the time it ended in late 2003, the house had no power, gas, or water, the police had arrested nearly 60 people at or near the house, recovered numerous stolen vehicles, and engaged in a high-speed chase.
Bianca's case is currently making its way through the courts.
Scovill later received a Citizen's Commendation from the police for his assistance. Basera sold the house.
Here are some photos of San Leandro police arresting people at the house:
San Leandro Police Arrest a Suspect at 350 Sybil Avenue, San Leandro on August 20, 2003
San Leandro Police Arrest Suspects at 350 Sybil Avenue, San Leandro on August 20, 2003