An elderly woman was bilked out of more than $40,000, and police said they have arrested the alleged culprit: the person who runs the care facility where the woman lives.

Police on Wednesday took 49-year-old Marianita Capra into custody at the assisted-living facility in Mill Valley that she managed for the past four years.

Family members of the victim said they were horrified by the news. They told KTVU there was no indication that something like this would happen judging by the home's ratings.

"We found evidence of odd financial transactions, so (we)  investigated for criminal activity," said Mill Valley Police Sgt. Paul Rapp.

Mill Valley police said Capra targeted an 80-year-woman who had no family, but did have a financial adviser who reported a strange number of purchases his client could not have made.

"The list is being compiled right now, we're in excess of $44,000, but it might be higher than that," Rapp said.

Police searched Capra's Novato home Wednesday and removed incriminating items, and now they're trying to determine if she had more victims.

Lyn Breger, who moved next door to the facility to be close to her father, called the situation tragic.

"We entrust those who are limited to what we consider responsible professionals," Breger said.

Advocates for the elderly said better support systems are needed, as is more oversight. The owner lives in Santa Barbara and is not on site regularly.

"Who's watching out for them?" said Kathryn Beyers, a former nursing home investigator. "There should be some sort of checks and balance system in order to protect these people."

KTVU spoke with the new administrator of Marin Terrace who defended Capra and said she wasn't a bad person and is innocent until proven guilty.