Second Elder Abuse Suspect Surrenders

Months of investigation have led to the arrest of two people in an elder abuse case involving a former Pinole Police Commander Matthew Messier.

Messier was arrested on Nov. 16 after it was found that he and his wife placed the entirety of an 82-year-old Pleasanton woman's estate into a trust controlled by the suspects. 

Four days after Messier's arrest, Elizabeth Regalado, 30, turned herself in to police, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. She was charged with conspiracy and posted $20,000 bail.

Messier is also free after posting $322,500 bail for his charges, which include elder abuse and grand theft. He has already entered a not guilty plea.

According to Pinole Police, Messier still worked for the department when the incident was first reported. 

"The investigation revealed he used his position of authority to gain the trust of the victim," police said.