OCALA, Fla. – A 24-year-old woman wanted on dozens of felony charges for allegedly stealing thousands of dollars from an elderly assisted living resident has been arrested after the Marion County Sheriff’s Office asked the public for help locating her.
The Sheriff’s Office announced July 27 that Zariah Lynn Parks had been taken into custody following an outpouring of tips from the public after investigators publicized her case earlier this month.
According to investigators, Parks is accused of stealing cash and a debit card from an elderly resident while working at an assisted living facility in Summerfield.
Detectives allege Parks then used the victim’s debit card to make more than $6,000 in unauthorized purchases, including liquor, beauty products, food and other items. Investigators also say she used the victim’s money to pay for meals with friends.
As a result of the investigation, Parks was wanted on 67 felony charges, including fraud, grand theft and exploitation of an elderly person.
After the Sheriff’s Office released her photograph and requested assistance from the public on July 17, authorities said community tips helped the Ocala Police Department locate Parks.
She was arrested on the outstanding warrant and booked into the Marion County Jail on July 23 at approximately 6:42 p.m.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Parks is being held without bond while the case proceeds through the court system.