Tim Ward, Tulare Co. Asst. District Attorney said, "I do believe there was a relationship by marriage I don't believe there's any blood relationship established."
Tulare Police officers first got wind of the case after they received a complaint from the nursing home where the elderly woman was living up until 2010, when she passed away. The elderly man passed away in 2004.
Sgt. Darron Altermatt said, "Apparently, the concerns were in regards to payment for the convalescent care."
After a lengthy investigation, the Tulare County district attorney's office filed three felony counts -- one for grand theft and two counts of theft of a dependent elder, plus a misdemeanor for elder abuse. Little was arrested this past May and has since bailed out of custody.
Ward said, "As trustee he crossed the line by, it appears from the info we have, by taking those funds and using them for personal gain."
Captain Little was not available for comment on the case against him and remains employed by the city. The investigation is still ongoing.
Sgt. Darron Altermatt said, "I believe this case probably took about 6-8 months to investigate there was a lot of financial documents and background that needed to be gone through by investigators
Little is also facing federal charges for fraudulent use of social security money. He'll be back in court for a hearing on the embezzlement and elder abuse charges next month.
