CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) — A local caretaker was in court Monday, accused of allowing a woman in her care to go missing for several days and lying to police about what happened. Roberta Gerard, 43, was arraigned on three charges related to the disappearance of 45-year-old Linda DaLomba last Wednes day, March 19. DaLomba, who is on the autism spectrum and nonverbal, was found Sunday curled up in the back of an SUV on Pond Street, according to police. She was taken to the hospital for evaluation. MORE: Missing Cranston woman found inside parked car, caregiver arrested Police said Gerard reported DaLomba missing Wednesday afternoon, but her story changed several times. They began investigating Gerard after finding she had given conflicting statements. For instance, Gerard originally told police that DaLomba had disappeared while using the bathroom at Burlington Coat Factory, but surveillance video showed the two of them were never at the store. Gerard eventually admitted to leaving DaLomba in her car while visiting someone's home, police said. When Gerard came back outside, DaLomba was gone. Gerard now faces a felony charge of abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation of adults with severe impairments, plus two misdemeanors: false report of a crime and obstructing an officer in the execution of duty. Outside court, DaLomba's niece told 12 News that her aunt was in Gerard's care for more than five years. She said that while the family is grateful DaLomba was found safe, they still have questions about what happened to her. "We just want answers," Kimberly Canuto said. "Like anyone that you trust and that trust is broken, it is very hard, especially in the circumstances that we just experienced." Gerard was released on $5,000 surety bail following her arraignment. She's due back in court in June. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media:                     Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News SIGN UP NOW ...read more read less