The North Port Police Department is seeking other potential victims.
Rozana and Joaquin Venegas of Port Charlotte are charged with felony exploitation of the elderly for over $100,000, with possible additional charges forthcoming.
The victim, an 80-year-old North Port resident, had been cared for by the husband and wife, as most of his family lives on the east coast of Florida.
He is extremely hard of hearing which makes it difficult at times to communicate.
In January, the victim was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital for treatment of numerous sores on his body due to not being cared for properly.
His family had not been notified of this.
The family spoke with hospital employees, who explained that Rozana Venegas had completed an “Enhanced General Durable Power of Attorney” without contacting the victim’s family.
On the same day, nearly $250,000 was withdrawn from the elderly man’s bank account and put into the Venegases’ accounts.
Upon further investigation, there were additional checks made out to Rozana Venegas for things that were never purchased, such as hearing aids and upgrades for the house.
The couple later admitted the checks were used to help pay off their personal bills.
When the victim was interviewed about this, he stated he didn’t know what his caretakers were trying to say to him, so he just agreed, not knowing they were taking money from him.
North Port Police want to know if anyone else has worked with Rozana and Joaquin Venegas for caretaking services.
If you recognize the couple or have more information, call or email Detective Chris Clark at cclark@northportpd.com or 941-429-7349.
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Couple charged with elderly exploitation
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