Craig Case Found Guilty in $690K Montecito Elder Fraud and Theft Case
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – A Santa Barbara jury on Thursday found local security company owner and part-time TV host Craig Case guilty on 63 of 64 counts related to the embezzlement of nearly $700,000 from the bank account of Montecito arts patron Constance McCormick Fearing, who died in 2022.
The jury found the 76-year-old Santa Barbara resident guilty of one misdemeanor and 62 felony counts, including two counts of conspiracy, theft of more than $100,000 from an elder, grand theft exceeding $100,000, forgery, 45 counts of money laundering, three counts each of failing to file tax returns and filing false tax returns, four counts of identity theft, offering false evidence, preparing false documentary evidence, and carrying an unregistered loaded firearm.
The only charge for which Case was not convicted was forgery related to a concealed weapons permit.
A state law passed in recent years requires a jury to decide on aggravating factors, a decision previously made by a judge. Both attorneys presented arguments before the jury deliberated on the matter.
The 12-person jury found that several aggravating factors applied, which could result in a longer sentence. These factors included the victim’s vulnerability, the significant financial loss, and Case’s role in persuading others to participate in the crimes. Jurors also determined that Case held a leadership position, that the crimes involved planning and sophistication, and that he exploited a position of trust to commit the offenses.
Between 2018 and April 2021, Case conspired with Nancy Coglizer, who had power of attorney over Fearing, to embezzle approximately $690,000. Coglizer wrote multiple checks to Case, allegedly for security services for Fearing. These checks were often in small amounts, such as $5,000—small enough to avoid triggering oversight from financial institutions that monitor large deposits or cash withdrawals.
Trustees of Fearing’s trust noticed the large number of checks in July 2021.
In October 2024, Coglizer pleaded guilty to embezzlement and to conspiring with Case to commit the thefts.
Prosecutors claim Coglizer was struggling with alcohol abuse and other personal issues when she wrote the checks.
“Financial abuse of elderly, vulnerable victims will not be tolerated in our community,” Santa Barbara County District Attorney John Savrnoch said.
Case has been in custody since July 2023.
Sentencing for both Case and Coglizer is scheduled for April 8 at 8:30 a.m.
