ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Delorse Boyd, 65, of St. Petersburg, has been arrested for financially exploiting a disabled 79-year-old woman, stealing approximately $205,762.60 over several years. Boyd is charged with 1st Degree Elderly Exploitation.
The elderly victim, confined to a wheelchair and requiring 24/7 home healthcare following surgery, hired Boyd to assist with household tasks such as grocery shopping, bill payments, and picking up medications. Over time, Boyd gained the victim’s trust and was given access to her credit cards and checkbook.
Between July 2017 and September 2021, Boyd took advantage of this access by writing 176 fraudulent checks, withdrawing funds, and using the victim’s credit card for personal expenses totaling over $20,000. The fraud was uncovered by the victim’s bank when the woman was about 83 years old. Among the stolen funds, Boyd used the victim’s account to pay her own traffic tickets and criminal fines.
Authorities emphasize the importance of protecting loved ones from financial exploitation, recommending careful selection of Power of Attorney, regular monitoring of financial statements, and seeking advice before making major financial decisions.