Porterville, Calif. – Kings County Librarian, 50-year-old Cervantes, was arrested on May 11, 2025, on charges of elder abuse and financial fraud after allegedly stealing thousands of dollars from a friend she was assisting.
The investigation into Cervantes began when a friend of hers, an elderly woman, accused her of using the victim’s bank account for personal expenses. The victim, who had suffered a medical condition a year earlier and required assistance, had given Cervantes access to her bank account to help manage her bills and finances.
However, it was later discovered that Cervantes had been using the funds for her own personal matters without the victim’s knowledge or permission. The victim reported that these unauthorized transactions amounted to thousands of dollars.
Porterville Police Department detectives launched a year-long investigation, which involved witness interviews, search warrants, and a forensic review by the Tulare County District Attorney’s Forensic Financial Crimes Unit. Through their investigation, they found that Cervantes not only used the victim’s funds for personal expenses but also opened additional accounts under the victim’s name.
While Cervantes was employed as the Porterville City Librarian at the time of the alleged crimes, investigators found no evidence of theft related to city funds during a forensic audit of the library’s finances.
In May 2025, Cervantes was formally charged with felony grand theft, felony identity theft, and felony elder abuse. She was arrested on a felony warrant and later released on her own recognizance after turning herself in. Cervantes has pleaded not guilty to the charges and will appear in court for a preliminary hearing on June 20, 2025.
County Administrative Officer Kyria Martinez commented on the situation, emphasizing that the charges against Cervantes violate the county’s ethical standards for its employees. Although she remains employed as an at-will employee, Martinez stated that the county may take further action based on the nature of the allegations.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the Porterville Police Department at (559) 782-7400 or provide tips anonymously through their social media pages.
