Bunnell, FL – A Flagler County home health aide is facing felony charges after deputies say she stole cash and a debit card from a senior under her care and used it to make hundreds of dollars in unauthorized purchases.
According to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, 32-year-old Katie Swain of Pomona Park was arrested Tuesday, December 31, following a month-long investigation into fraudulent debit card transactions reported by a senior resident at HarborChase of Palm Coast.
Investigators said the victim noticed several unauthorized charges on his bank statement in early December and discovered that cash and his debit card were missing from his wallet. Detectives later determined Swain, a recent hire at the assisted living facility, was assigned as the victim’s caregiver on the day the items allegedly went missing.
According to FCSO, a review of bank records revealed a pattern of fraudulent transactions made primarily in Putnam County, near where Swain lives. Store surveillance footage reportedly shows Swain using the victim’s debit card to make dozens of purchases.
Authorities said Swain allegedly spent $664.02 using the stolen card and took an additional $30 in cash. Purchases included gas, snacks, groceries, and multiple online transactions.
“This woman abused her position of trust and authority as a home health aide,” Sheriff Rick Staly said in a statement, adding that seniors are often targeted due to their vulnerability.
Swain was arrested on charges of fraudulent use of personal identification information and grand theft from a person over 65 years of age. She was transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility and later released on a $10,000 bond.
FCSO is reminding families to verify caregivers through the Florida Department of Health before allowing access to seniors or private homes.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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