A former certified nursing assistant at an assisted living facility in Sarasota was arrested after allegedly defrauding at least three residents, authorities say.
Yolanda Taite, 29, had been an employee at the home on Hudson Ave. since February 2019.
In July 2020, family members came forward after their mother, who is 99 years old, was the victim of credit card theft.
Sarasota Police Department discovered charges totaling $1,206.22 between May 28, 2020 and June 27, 2020, a time when the woman was unable to go anywhere or make any purchases due to COVID-19.
While collecting video surveillance footage for the fraudulent credit card, police saw on camera who they believe is Taite, along with a man making purchases.
Sarasota Police detectives learned the second transaction at the retail store was done on a credit card belonging to another resident at the assisted living home, an 85-year-old man.
Sarasota Police detectives reached out to the man's power of attorney and learned the man is unable to take care of himself and does not use his credit card. Detectives discovered charges for the second resident totaling $1,090.15 between June 22, 2020 and July 9, 2020.
As an employee, Taite had trusted access from her employer to all resident's apartments and rooms. She was fired following the arrest.
In addition to the two charges for the first two victims, an arrest warrant has been issued for Taite for an additional charge of Exploitation of the Elderly (less than $10,000) after a third family came forward to report fraudulent charges on their sister's credit card.
The sister is 86 years old and also lives at the assisted living home.
Detectives believe there may be additional victims based on their investigation. Anyone with information on this case is asked to call Detective Jessica Sullivan at 941-263-6070, email at Jessica.Sullivan@SarasotaFL.gov or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS
Editor's note: An earlier version of this story said the suspect was a nurse, that has been corrected to CNA
