Pleasanton Man and Former Police Commander Arrested on Suspicion of Elder Abuse

From Pleasanton Police Department:

Today the Pleasanton Police Department ended a several month long investigation into an elder abuse case reported by Alameda County Adult Protective Services. The victim, an 82-year-old Pleasanton resident and property owner, was being defrauded by the suspects, Matthew Messier, 36, of Pleasanton, and Elizabeth Regalado, 30, his wife, by placing the victim’s entire estate into a trust controlled by the suspects.

Messier is a former Police Commander who was employed by the Pinole Police Department when this incident was first reported. The investigation revealed he used his position of authority to gain the trust of the victim.

He was arrested at his home for the following charges, 487(a) PC grand theft and 3 counts of attempted grand theft, four counts of 368(d) PC elder abuse, 470(d) PC forgery, two counts of 115(a) PC registering a fraudulent document, 182(a)(1) PC criminal conspiracy, and 6125 B&P practicing law without a license. Regalado was charged with one count of 182(a)(1) PC criminal conspiracy.

A complaint was filed by the Alameda County District Attorney’s office and two warrants were obtained for Messier and Regalado’s arrest. Messier was arrested on Nov. 16 and booked into Santa Rita Jail on the above charges. Messier’s wife, Regalado, is still outstanding.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Elizabeth Regalado or information that may be relevant to this investigation is encouraged to contact the Pleasanton Police Department directly at 925-931-5100 and reference Case 12-26567.