Home aide accused of exploiting over $2,500 from elderly woman with dementia

by Skyler Shepard

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

Ta'kiya 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 charges on his mother's financial accounts. The charges, totaling approximately $2,506.09, were made on a Chase Freedom credit card, a TD Bank debit card, and a 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, confirming Jones had added the Chase Freedom card to her Apple Wallet for Apple Pay transactions.

Safe Home Care — Jones' employer — confirmed she began working with the victim on October 24 and was aware of the policy prohibiting aides from using clients' funds for personal reasons. Upon discovering the fraudulent charges, Safe Home Care removed Jones from the victim's case.

Jones admitted to using the victim's credit cards during an interview with law enforcement, citing financial difficulties. She claimed some charges, such as those at Red Crab Juicy Seafood, were partially for the victim's benefit, 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 requested against Jones include fraudulent use of a credit card, exploitation of a vulnerable adult, and criminal use of personal identification information. Jones was arrested and transported to the Palm Beach County Jail for booking.

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

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Home aide accused of exploiting over $2,500 from elderly woman with dementia