Domestic helper accused of defrauding elderly woman with dementia of more than $2,500

RIVIERA BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — A 21-year-old domestic helper has been arrested for allegedly exploiting an elderly woman with dementia by making more than $2,500 in fraudulent charges on her credit cards.

Takia Jones was taken into custody on December 30 following an investigation by the Riviera Beach Police Department (RBPD).

The investigation began on November 21 when the elderly victim’s son reported unauthorized debits to his mother’s financial accounts. Charges totaling approximately $2,506.09 were made to the Chase Freedom Credit Card, TD Bank Debit Card, and TD Double Up Credit Card. Purchases included items from Lululemon, Ulta, Journeys Kidz, Victoria’s Secret, H&M, Walmart and Red Crab Seafood.

Police said investigators gathered evidence, including surveillance footage and receipts from Guru Tattoo Shop, that show Jones added the Chase Freedom card to her Apple Wallet for Apple Pay transactions.

Safe Home Care — Jones’ employer — confirmed it began working with the victim on Oct. 24 and was aware of a policy that prohibits aides from using client funds for personal purposes. After discovering the fraudulent allegations, Safe Home Care removed Jones from the victim’s case.

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Jones admitted to using the victim’s credit cards during an interview with law enforcement, citing financial hardship. She argued that some of the charges, like the one at Red Crab Juicy Seafood, were in part for the victim, according to the arrest report. Despite her claims, the unauthorized use of the victim’s credit cards violated trust and the law.

Based on the evidence, charges against Jones include fraudulent use of a credit card, exploitation of a vulnerable adult and criminal use of personally identifiable information. Jones was arrested and taken to the Palm Beach County Jail for questioning.

This arrest underscores the importance of protecting vulnerable adults from exploitation and ensuring that caregivers adhere to ethical and legal standards.

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