Riviera Beach man accused of exploiting grandma with severe dementia to control finances

by Grace Bellinghausen 

Police say a Riviera Beach man quietly took control of his grandmother’s home, finances, and care by exploiting her worsening dementia. (Palm Beach County Jail, Getty Images)

RIVIERA BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Police say a Riviera Beach man quietly took control of his grandmother’s home, finances, and care by exploiting her worsening dementia.

According to a Riviera Beach Police Department probable cause affidavit, the investigation began on February 5 after a family member reported concerns that her 71-year-old mother was being taken advantage of by her grandson, 52-year-old Roderick Mitchell.

The family member told police she had served as her mother’s power of attorney since 2006, after severe dementia left the woman unable to make major decisions.

But in 2025, she said Mitchell transferred power of attorney to himself and executed a quitclaim deed on his grandmother’s home without her knowledge.

The victim alleged Mitchell, who lived in the home, prevented family members from checking on her welfare and at times threatened to burn the house down. The allegations were referred to the Florida Department of Children and Families, which opened an elder abuse investigation.

DCF investigators determined the woman was a vulnerable adult with severe dementia, diabetes, and mobility issues requiring a walker. The report stated Mitchell acted as her caregiver but was not acting in her best interest, raising concerns about missed insulin care, alcohol use, and aggressive behavior when intoxicated.

Mitchell reportedly acknowledged to investigators that he drank alcohol and did not personally administer insulin, instead relying on others for injections. He also admitted making decisions regarding power of attorney and property without consulting the victim or family members, claiming he was protecting the home.

A doctor who had treated her since 2018 reported progressive cognitive decline and stated in a 2025 letter that she required round-the-clock care and could not manage her finances, according to documents obtained by police.

Investigators also alleged Mitchell filed a second fraudulent quitclaim deed in April 2026 listing a suspicious address tied to a junkyard. Authorities said he later invoked his right to an attorney during questioning.

Detectives ultimately charged Mitchell with multiple felonies, including exploitation of an elderly person, fraudulent use of personal identification, grand theft over $50,000, and filing false documents involving real property.

On Saturday, officers located Mitchell in Riviera Beach and arrested him without incident. He was booked and later transferred to the Palm Beach County Jail. 

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Riviera Beach man accused of exploiting grandma with severe dementia to control finances