The investigation found that Abarca managed a nursing home located in the La Uruca District of San José Province. Collins moved into the facility in 1999 and remained there until 2005, when she died at age 78.

The prosecutor’s office believes that after Collins’ death, the suspect handled all the arrangements for her burial in a cemetery in Cartago Province.

In addition, the investigation indicates that one year after Collins’ death, Abarca allegedly submitted false documents in 2006 to the California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS), the retirement system for educators in the U.S. State of California. The alleged purpose was to have himself recognized as Collins’ legal representative and thereby gain access to her pension.

The suspect apparently obtained a bank card that allowed him to access at least $800,000 between 2006 and 2026 that belonged to Collins’ pension.

Authorities said the alleged fraud was discovered almost 20 years later, when CalSTRS conducted a review to determine whether Collins was still alive. The organization carried out the process with assistance from the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica, which confirmed that Collins had died in 2005.

The prosecutor’s office ordered a search of Abarca’s home in Heredia, where he was required to appear before prosecutors for questioning. A judge later imposed pretrial measures, including surrendering his passport to authorities, prohibiting him from leaving the country, appearing periodically before a court to sign a monitoring log, and remaining at the same residence.

Judicial agents also seized documents and other devices belonging to the suspect. The materials will be used as evidence in the case against him for the alleged crimes of identity theft, use of a false document and fraud.

The Public Prosecutor's Office is responsible for directing criminal investigations and prosecuting criminal cases throughout the country.

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