TRUCKEE, CA – Following the death of 77-year-old Truckee resident Eugene “Gene” Canata in October, his home was reportedly burglarized, leading to the arrest of Angela “Angie” Louise Damico, 55, of Belmont, and Michael John Robertson, 64, of San Carlos.
The investigation into this case began on Oct. 22 when a public administrator at the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) was notified of Canata’s passing in Washoe County (state of Nevada) but with primary residency in Nevada County, California. When an individual passes, a Sheriff’s Office will make every attempt to notify next of kin, who are generally involved in a decedent’s legal proceedings regarding personal property, financial obligations, and afterlife wishes. In Mr. Canata’s case, no kin or will were immediately located. When this occurs, NCSO’s Public Administrator will assume these roles to safeguard and protect assets and settle ongoing affairs while conducting extensive searches for rightful heirs.
Upon assuming the case on Oct. 22, the NCSO Public Administrator conducted a property check of Mr. Canata’s residence with an NCSO deputy where it was determined the property had been burglarized and several items had been stolen, including firearms, money, and a vehicle.
Through the course of the investigation, Damico and Robertson were identified as people of interest. Damico, who had personal ties with Mr. Canata, claimed to be his power of attorney, but was unable to furnish any correlating paperwork or a will to verify such statements.
With the investigation suggesting the duo had likely stolen several items from Mr. Canata’s home upon his passing, NCSO detectives wrote search warrants for Damico and Robertson’s respective properties in Belmont and San Carlos. The search warrants were executed in partnership with deputies from the San Mateo Sheriff’s Office on Nov. 5 where personal property, belonging to Mr. Canata, was located at both residences.
Damico and Robertson were both arrested for second degree burglary (459 PC); conspiracy to commit crime (182(A)(1) PC); vehicle theft (10851(A) CVC); and grand theft (487(D)(2) PC). It should be noted that Robertson faces additional charges by the San Mateo Sheriff’s Office after the search warrant uncovered evidence of additional crimes and stolen property, not related to this case.
The NCSO Public Administrator will continue to advocate for Mr. Canata and will protect his assets for rightful heirs.