 |
||||||||
 |
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
Two aides for elderly arreste
By CHRIS TISCH CLEARWATER -- Local authorities have arrested two people this week on charges that they stole money from elderly people in their care. The first arrest came Tuesday when Pinellas sheriff's deputies charged Daniel P. Crowe, 55, with stealing more than $2,300 from a 79-year-old man who considered him a friend. Deputies said Crowe, of 1605 Clearwater-Largo Road, stole the elderly man's credit card and used it at various Pinellas County businesses in December and January. The theft of the credit card occurred while the elderly man was in the hospital. Crowe had cared for the man, picked up his mail and had a key to his apartment, sheriff's officials said. Crowe was charged with elderly exploitation, grand theft and fraudulent use of a credit card. The second arrest came Wednesday when Clearwater police arrested Helena C. Thomas, 19, on charges that she took an elderly man's checkbook, then wrote more than 30 checks totaling more than $10,000, arrest reports state. Police said the theft of the checkbook occurred on May 10 at 1111 S Highland Ave., which is the location of Highland Pines Rehab Center. Police said Thomas once worked at an assisted living facility at that address but does not work there anymore. Officials at Highland Pines did not return a message Thursday. Jones, of 1021 Amble Lane, used one of the elderly man's checks to pay for her child's day care, authorities said. She forged the man's name on the checks, police reports state. Jones was charged with scheming to defraud, forgery and uttering forged instruments, arrest reports state. Police said the victim, a man in his mid 70s, is very ill.
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111 
|
From the Times North Pinellas desks |
