Tulsa Police Arrest 2 For Stealing From Elderly At Assisted Living Centers

Tulsa police are investigating a very unusual case of young people stealing from the elderly.

Detectives said the thief went into an assisted living center and helped herself to items that belong to the people who live there.

The people detectives say are responsible for stealing jewelry, credit cards and other personal items from people who live in an assisted living center are now at the Tulsa County Jail.

So far, police know of five victims but believe there could be many more.

Police didn't want to release the name of the assisted living center, but say it's close to this area near 71st and Yale Avenue.

Detectives believe 22-year-old Rebecca Fennell, would go in through an open door at the center and get to work.

"She was going in and knocking on doors,” detective Kevin Scalf said. “If she got an answer she moved onto another one, if she didn't get an answer then she would just go in and take what she wanted."

Scalf said she'd go in during a busy time, when the people who lived there were away from their rooms, and then grab their jewelry, credit cards and other items, many that are sentimental.

“It's heartbreaking, someone to take advantage of the elderly like that,” Scalf said.

Detectives tracked Fennell and her boyfriend --Tucker Sewell -- to a hotel room and arrested them.

Police believe after Fennell stole the items, Sewell would sell them.

A third person was found in the room, Joshua Booth, but police don't believe he played a part in the thefts.

Investigators said they recovered a few pieces of jewelry, one belonged to a 94-year-old woman.

"Her deceased husband had given it to her, she was very happy, it's kind of rewarding to get to help and take stuff back when it's stolen."

Police believe Fennell had been stealing from assisted living centers for about a month and there are most likely other victims out there.

Detectives also said it may have happened at more than the one facility.

“If you are a son or daughter who has a mother or father in a retirement center, just go in and go through some of their personal

and make sure everything is still there," Scalf said.

Her boyfriend faces several charges, including possession of a stolen credit card.