Crime & Safety
Sarasota County, FL: 2 Arrested in $361K Elder Fraud Case
Sarasota, FL – A Sarasota jewelry store owner's suspicions helped uncover an alleged financial exploitation scheme involving an elderly couple, leading to two arrests and allegations of more than $361
By Marcus Hale · 2026-10-12T19:36:36.984Z
Sarasota, FL – A Sarasota jewelry store owner's suspicions helped uncover an alleged financial exploitation scheme involving an elderly couple, leading to two arrests and allegations of more than $361,000 in stolen funds, authorities announced Monday.
According to the Sarasota County Sheriff 's Office, Reinier Reinoso and Suyeng Daniels Lopez were arrested following an investigation that began July 20, 2026, when Imran Din, owner of A & Z Jewelers, reported suspicious activity involving two customers.
Investigators said the pair allegedly made several jewelry purchases totaling more than $40,000 within a short period. When they returned for a fourth purchase, Din requested identification, but neither customer could provide it.
Concerned about the transactions, Din contacted law enforcement.
Detectives subsequently determined that the credit card used for the purchases belonged to a Sarasota man who died in March 2026. The man and his wife had been living in an assisted living facility, where Daniels Lopez had reportedly worked as their caregiver from December 2025 until June 2026.
The investigation uncovered extensive allegedly unauthorized financial activity involving the couple's accounts.
Between June 2 and Aug. 25, investigators identified more than 550 credit card transactions totaling $240,272.85. Authorities also discovered 21 payments totaling $361,938.23 made from the victims' bank accounts to the credit card company.
Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman condemned the alleged exploitation.
“Our elderly residents deserve to feel safe, especially when placing their trust in those responsible for their care,” Hoffman said.
Both suspects face charges of exploitation of an elderly person, grand theft from a person 65 or older, and criminal use of personal identifiable information.
The arrests highlight how suspicious financial transactions can help uncover potential elder exploitation. Authorities credited the jewelry store owner's attention and willingness to report his concerns.
The charges are allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.