Laguna Beach Cop Arrested On Elder Abuse, Fraud

FULLERTON (CBSLA) – A Laguna Beach police officer and two others have been arrested in an ongoing elder abuse case involving multiple victims and the theft of hundreds of thousands of dollars, authorities said.

The Fullerton Police Department reported Friday that 58-year-old Rock Wagner -- a Laguna Beach police officer -- his sister, 55-year-old Wendy Wagner, and her boyfriend, 58-year-old Norman McBride, were taken into custody Tuesday. Rock was arrested in Lake Forest, while Wendy and McBride were arrested in Huntington Beach.

All three were charged with counts of elder abuse, fraud and embezzlement. They have since been released on bail, police said.

Police were tight-lipped about details, citing the ongoing investigation, but Fullerton police Sgt. Jon Radussaid there is more than one alleged victim and they are related to the suspects, who are not accused of any physical abuse. The allegations relate to theft of hundreds of thousands of dollars, he said.

Wagner, who has worked for Laguna Beach as a patrol officer for nine years, has been placed on paid administrative leave, said Laguna Beach police Chief Laura Farinella.

Fullerton police are investigating along with the Orange County district attorney's office and O.C. Adult Protective Services.

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