ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – A 26-year-old in-home caregiver has been arrested after investigators accused her of exploiting an elderly, vulnerable adult and stealing more than $180,000 through checks, credit and debit cards, ATM withdrawals and online banking transactions.
The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as MaryJean Small, 26, who worked as the victim’s in-home caregiver from January 2025 until July 2026.
According to the Sheriff’s Office Property Crimes Unit, Small was responsible for helping the elderly victim with daily living activities and purchasing groceries and other necessities.
Detectives allege Small instead used that position of trust to gain access to the victim’s personal identifying information, credit and debit cards, checkbooks and financial accounts.
Investigators ultimately identified more than $180,000 in alleged unauthorized thefts, fraudulent transactions and transfers while Small was employed as the victim’s caregiver.
Detectives Find 63 Checks Totaling More Than $82,000
As part of the investigation, detectives examined financial and business records, surveillance footage, ATM withdrawals, credit and debit card purchases, online banking activity and witness statements.
Investigators said they discovered 63 unauthorized checks made payable to Small totaling more than $82,000.
Detectives also found that the victim’s credit and debit cards had allegedly been added as payment methods to Small’s Uber account.
Surveillance footage allegedly showed Small using the victim’s debit card to purchase children’s clothing and toys.
Investigators also discovered an online banking profile that they say was created using the elderly victim’s personal information and subsequently used to make unauthorized electronic transfers.
The Sheriff’s Office said the victim has never owned a computer, does not use electronic devices and has never conducted online banking. The victim also denied authorizing the payments or writing checks to Small.
Based on the evidence gathered during the investigation, detectives said they believe Small knowingly and intentionally exploited the vulnerable elderly adult for her own financial benefit.
Small Faces Multiple Felony Charges
Small was arrested on multiple felony offenses, including Theft from a Person 65 Years of Age or Older, Scheme to Defraud, Fraudulent Use of Credit Cards, Exploitation of Elderly, Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device to Facilitate a Felony, Uttering Forged Bills, Checks, Drafts or Notes, and Criminal Use of Personal Identification Information.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information that could assist detectives to contact the Property Crimes Unit at 904-824-8304 or crimetips@sjso.org.