By Trend News Line 2024-03-25 17:10:57.
**The Greedy and Grotesque Scheme of Caroline Joanne Herrling**
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In a shocking turn of events, Caroline Joanne Herrling, a 44-year-old woman from West Hills, Los Angeles, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for her involvement in a multimillion-dollar squatting scheme that included dismembering and disposing of a body. The US Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California described her actions as “both greedy and grotesque,” causing profound pain to the victims and their loved ones.
**Caroline Joanne Herrling’s Devious Plan**
Caroline Joanne Herrling, also known as “Carrie Phenix,” and her co-conspirators targeted vulnerable victims by searching for properties in affluent neighborhoods that appeared unkempt. Using online mapping programs, they identified homes where residents were unable to care for their properties, focusing on houses with neglected swimming pools and overgrown shrubbery. In 2020, they found a home in Sherman Oaks, where a 71-year-old man named Charles Wilding lived.
**The Tragic Fate of Charles Wilding**
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Tragically, Charles Wilding passed away in September 2020 under mysterious circumstances, and Herrling and her associates took over the property while his body decomposed in the home. Instead of reporting his death, they looted his assets, including his real estate and financial accounts. Herrling even used a forged power-of-attorney form to steal from the victim, pretending to act on his behalf.
**The Discovery and Investigation**
Authorities began investigating the case in October 2021 when neighbors reported Wilding missing. Herrling claimed to be a close friend of the victim and his family, even going as far as to pose as the trustee of the victim’s family trust, which turned out to be a forgery. She misled the police about Wilding’s whereabouts, leading them to believe he had moved, when in reality, he had already passed away.
**The Gruesome Disposal**
Herrling and her accomplices went to extreme lengths to conceal their crimes. They attempted to dissolve Wilding’s body in a mixture of chemicals but ultimately resorted to dismembering it and disposing of the remains in San Francisco Bay. Despite their efforts, the victim’s remains have never been found.
**The Heartless Fraud**
Caroline Joanne Herrling’s greed extended beyond the exploitation of Charles Wilding. She defrauded another victim, Robert Tascon, by selling his home without his consent using a fake ID. The transaction generated approximately $1.5 million, leading Tascon, who was already struggling with mental-health issues, to take his own life after losing his property.
**Legal Consequences**
Herrling has been in federal custody since January 2023 and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. One of her accomplices, Matthew Jason Kroth, also pleaded guilty to wire fraud and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He faces up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud and up to 40 years for meth trafficking.
**Final Thoughts**
The despicable actions of Caroline Joanne Herrling and her co-conspirators have left a trail of devastation and tragedy in their wake. The victims, their families, and the community at large have been deeply affected by their callous disregard for human life and decency. As justice is served, it is a stark reminder of the importance of holding those who prey on vulnerable communities accountable for their actions..
“Squatter left dead man’s body in luxury LA home”
“Elaborate scheme to take over property”.
