St. Lucie County Pair Charged with Elder Abuse and Fraud in Exploitation Investigation

By Carlos Mendez

Two people were arrested in St. Lucie County following an investigation into a case of elder abuse and exploitation. The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office reported that Enrique Junior Navedo and Loy Lynn La Pierre were taken into custody after a woman was found living in unsafe and abusive conditions. According to WPBF, the investigation began in July when the Florida Department of Children and Families received a tip about possible mistreatment.

A follow-up report in last month led to further investigation, where detectives discovered that the victim had been denied food, forced to use the bathroom outdoors, and made to shower in a tent without hot water. The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office stated on its Facebook page that the victim also had an untreated wound and other medical issues caused by neglect.

Investigators found that Navedo had allegedly transferred the victim’s home into his own name using a Quit Claim Deed that appeared to be backdated. The victim said she was restricted from moving freely and denied basic needs.

Navedo faces charges including Fraud-Swindle-Obtain Property $50,000 or More and Abuse of an Elderly or Disabled Adult Without Great Bodily Harm. La Pierre was charged with Abuse of an Elderly or Disabled Adult Without Great Bodily Harm. Both are being held at the St. Lucie County Jail. Both suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. 

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St. Lucie County Pair Charged with Elder Abuse and Fraud in Exploitation Investigation