Caregiver facing abuse charge after missing Cranston woman was found in back of parked car | ABC6

Cranston, R.I. (WLNE) -- The caregiver of a missing woman found safe in Cranston faced court charges on Monday. Roberta Gerard has been charged with felony abuse and exploitation of an adult with severe impairment. This follows the recent discovery of Linda DeLomba, a 45-year-old autistic woman, nearly a week after her disappearance.

Cranston Police Chief Michael Winquist announced that DeLomba was located huddled in the back of a parked car in a residential neighborhood. “We're just ecstatic that she was found alive,” Winquist expressed, highlighting the relief the community feels.

The investigation began last Tuesday when Gerard reported to the police, claiming she lost DeLomba inside a Burlington Coat Factory. However, police later determined that neither of them ever entered the store, causing them to question Gerard's account. During follow-up inquiries, she presented a different story, alleging that DeLomba escaped from her car while she was home.

The search concluded when a local resident found DeLomba in the back of a car he was working on, prompting a call to the police. After being taken to the hospital, DeLomba was reported to be in good health. Authorities believe she may have been in the car for several days.

Due to the inconsistencies in Gerard's statements, she faces additional charges for obstructing an officer. Winquist noted that such conflicting information raises concerns for investigators, who could have potentially located DeLomba sooner had the true circumstances been disclosed. Police are currently reviewing surveillance footage from the area as part of the ongoing investigation.