St. Augustine, Florida — A Florida caregiver is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say she stole nearly $100,000 from an elderly patient she was responsible for caring for.
Investigators with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation in January 2025 after the victim reported suspicious activity and missing money from her account.
Officials say the case uncovered a months-long scheme involving fraudulent financial accounts and unauthorized transactions.
Investigation Began After Missing Money Report
Authorities say the investigation started when the elderly victim noticed funds disappearing from her account and reported the issue to law enforcement.
Detectives later determined the alleged scheme began in February 2024.
According to investigators, 38-year-old Stacy Gordon, a caregiver from Jacksonville, allegedly used the victim’s personal information to open a fraudulent credit card account.
Detectives say the account was later connected to Gordon’s Companion Care, a business that Gordon owned and operated.
Officials allege the account allowed Gordon to access and spend the victim’s money without authorization.
Nearly $100,000 Taken Over Several Months
Investigators say the fraudulent activity continued for months before it was discovered.
Authorities confirmed that $98,075.95 was taken between April and November 2024, according to detectives.
Law enforcement says the suspect acted with intent to deprive the elderly victim of her property.
The victim’s identity has not been released in order to protect her privacy.
Suspect Located Out of State
After gathering evidence in the case, investigators obtained a warrant for Gordon’s arrest.
Authorities later located her in New Jersey and transported her back to Florida to face charges.
She is currently being held at the St. Johns County Jail.
Multiple Felony Charges Filed
Prosecutors say Gordon now faces several serious charges, including:
• Scheme to defraud involving $50,000 or more
• Criminal use of personal identification information
• Grand theft
• Exploitation of an elderly person
Cases involving financial exploitation of seniors are treated as serious offenses under Florida law, particularly when the suspect is in a position of trust.
Elder Financial Abuse Remains Growing Concern
Authorities say crimes targeting elderly victims often involve caregivers, relatives, or individuals who have access to personal or financial information.
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Investigators encourage families and caregivers to remain alert for warning signs, including:
• Unexplained bank withdrawals
• New credit accounts opened without consent
• Missing financial documents
• Sudden changes in financial behavior
Law enforcement urges anyone who suspects elder financial exploitation to report it immediately.
Do you think stronger protections are needed to prevent financial exploitation of elderly patients? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
