A 42-year-old parolee accused of bilking a South San Francisco woman out of money for tree service is a member of a gypsy gang who have been preying on elderly victims throughout the county, according to prosecutors.

Tom Wood, also known as Eli or Ely Wood, appeared in court Friday for charges linked to the South San Francisco case but may later be charged for other alleged crimes, said Chief Deputy District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe.

According to South San Francisco police, Wood worked with a group of others to swindle elderly victims. One suspect distracted the victim by saying a fence needing fixing, offering an estimate on roof repair or some other home repair. In the charged case, the woman was told Wood and his friends would trim her trees as a service to the elderly. While the victim was distracted, Wood reportedly went into her bedroom and stole $780. Later that same day, the group pulled a similar stunt but was unsuccessful.

Police arrested Wood and two others at a San Jose motel but he is the only one so far to appear in court.

Wood pleaded not guilty to two counts of residential burglary, grand theft and petty theft with a prior conviction. He returns to court June 5 for a preliminary hearing and, if ultimately tried and convicted, faces a second strike on his criminal record. Meanwhile, Wood remains in custody in lieu of $250,000 bail.

Rachael Demitro, 36, and a 17-year-old male alleged to be Wood’s son were also taken into custody. Police reported finding jewelry and money in the motel room.

Prosecutors are still investigating Demitro’s role as she was not in the initial arrest warrant. If charges are filed Tuesday morning, she will appear in court this afternoon.

Michelle Durand can be reached by e-mail: michelle@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 102.