Jacksonville caregiver arrested after St. Johns deputies allege nearly $100,000 stolen from elderly patient

Investigation centers on alleged fraud scheme involving a credit account opened using the victim’s identity

A Jacksonville caregiver has been arrested on accusations that she stole more than $98,000 from an elderly patient in her care, following an investigation by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. The suspect, a 38-year-old woman, faces multiple felony charges, including scheme to defraud involving $50,000 or more, criminal use of personal identification information, grand theft, and exploitation of an elderly person.

Investigators say the case began after the elderly victim reported a large amount of money missing from her bank account in January 2025. Detectives later determined that a credit card account had been opened in February 2024 using the victim’s personal information. Authorities say the account was connected to a business associated with the suspect.

Timeline and alleged losses

Deputies allege that $98,075.95 was taken from the victim between April and November 2024. The investigation describes the disputed transactions as part of an alleged pattern of financial activity that moved money away from the victim and into an account tied to the suspect’s business connections.

Law enforcement officials said the suspect was located in New Jersey in January and served with a warrant. She was later booked into the St. Johns County Jail.

• Victim reported missing funds: January 2025
• Fraudulent credit account allegedly opened: February 2024
• Alleged theft period: April–November 2024
• Suspect located out of state and served: January (year not otherwise specified by authorities)

How Florida law frames “exploitation” in caregiver-type relationships

Florida law treats exploitation allegations as distinct from ordinary theft when a victim is elderly or otherwise vulnerable, particularly when the suspect is alleged to be in a position of trust or has a business relationship with the victim. In caregiver settings, investigators often examine account access, authorization to make purchases or payments, and the creation of new accounts or financial instruments that the victim may not have knowingly approved.

The charges are allegations. A criminal case requires proof in court, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until convicted.

What remains unresolved

Public information released so far does not include the victim’s identity, the victim’s exact age beyond being described as elderly, or whether restitution has been made. Court proceedings will determine whether prosecutors can substantiate the alleged connection between the disputed transactions, the account opened in the victim’s name, and the suspect’s business.

Authorities have not announced additional arrests in connection with the investigation. The case remains in the criminal justice process in St. Johns County.