Tustin Woman Accused Of Stealing $285K From Nuns

SANTA ANA (CBS) — A Tustin woman surrendered to federal law enforcement agents on Monday after being indicted last week on wire fraud charges alleging she defrauded a group of nuns out of more than a quarter million dollars.

Linda Rose Gagnon, 57, faces three counts of wire fraud in United States District Court. Gagnon used the stolen money on herself, paying for lingerie, pet-sitting services and her own mortgage and car loan payments, U.S. Attorney spokesman Thom Mrozek told KNX 1070's Mike Landa.

Gagnon allegedly convinced nuns from a Rhode Island convent to send her $285,000 from their retirement funds to purchase a property in San Diego.

Gagnon is the chief executive of Tustin-based Rose Enterprise Inc., which is billed as a company that helps clients handle delinquent mortgages and other real estate deals, according to the indictment. Gagnon has never held a real estate broker or agent license, according to prosecutors.

The indictment alleges Gagnon lied to the nuns about what she did with the money and refused repeated requests to return the funds.

If convicted of three wire fraud counts, Gagnon could get up to 60 years in prison.

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