A Miami caretaker who provided home care for a Coral Gables woman who is now deceased is charged with exploitation of an elderly person over $100,000 after police believe that the caretaker stole almost $1 million from the dying woman.
Detectives believe that during a 2 year period, the caretaker routed the deceased’s funds into her personal bank account. The total amount stolen, according to investigators, was $928,529.44.
Detectives further allege that the defendant pretended to be the dying woman while on the phone with various banks. The defendant would close accounts over the phone and have the money transferred into her personal account.
Given her position of trust with the deceased victim, the defendant was allegedly able to provide a social security number and other sensitive information over the phone that enabled the transactions to occur.
The defendant was arrested on a warrant and charged with one count of exploitation of the elderly over $100,000. She is currently in jail on a $250,000 bond, but cannot be released even if she is able to post the bond due to an immigration hold.
Under Florida law, “if the funds, assets, or property involved in the exploitation of the elderly person or disabled adult is valued at $50,000 or more, the offender commits a felony of the first degree.” This means that the accused is facing a maximum of 30 years in Florida state prison.
Eric Matheny is a criminal defense attorney representing clients in Miami and Broward charged with theft crimes, including exploitation of the elderly.