by Ashley Griffin
Katie Michelle Esparza, 36,is charged
with money laundering, theft, financial exploitation of an elderly
person, credit card fraud, computer fraud, and identity theft. (Mugshot:
MNPD)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — A former
office manager at a Middle Tennessee assisted living facility is accused
of stealing thousands of dollars from two elderly residents, according
to police.
Katie Michelle Esparza, 36, of Columbia, previously worked at Sapphire of Music City from April 2023 until August 2024. Police say two residents, ages 72 and 75, both living in the facility’s memory care unit, gave Esparza access to their debit cards to pay monthly rent and other expenses.
According to investigators, concerns were raised after Sapphire’s new director requested an accounting of resident finances. Esparza later resigned, police said.
An audit and investigation by the Metro Nashville Police Department’s Fraud Unit allegedly revealed multiple unauthorized transactions involving the residents’ accounts.
Police say Esparza used the 75-year-old resident’s debit card and banking information to initiate 35 Venmo transfers totaling $17,610 to her personal account.
Subpoenaed Venmo records also showed 135 attempted cash withdrawals totaling $77,220 from the same account, though those transactions were declined.
Investigators also allege she used that debit card without authorization on 18 occasions to cover $899 in personal expenses.
The investigation further uncovered surveillance video that police say shows Esparza using the 72-year-old resident’s debit card to withdraw $1,500 from an ATM without authorization.
Esparza was arrested the night of Dec. 23 in Maury County.
She is charged with money laundering, theft, financial exploitation of an elderly person, credit card fraud, computer fraud, and identity theft. She is being held on a $410,000 bond.
Full Article & Source:
Former assisted living manager charged for exploiting elderly residents' finances
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