INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, Fla. — A Vero Beach woman has been convicted in connection with a series of unauthorized credit card purchases made while she was working as a caregiver for an 87-year-old woman, authorities said.
Jennifer Hickling, 48, a former nurse, pleaded no contest to charges of exploitation of an elderly or disabled adult, organized fraud less than $20,000, and fraudulent use of a credit card. As part of a plea deal, prosecutors dropped a grand theft charge.
Circuit Judge Robert Meadows sentenced Hickling on Oct. 20 to nine months in jail and two years of probation, and ordered her to repay nearly $5,500 to the victim. Hickling had faced up to 15 years in prison before reaching the agreement.
According to Vero Beach police, Hickling made 28 unauthorized purchases totaling more than $3,100 at stores including Publix, Sam’s Club, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Amazon, and local shops between January and February 2024. Surveillance footage from a Walgreens helped investigators identify her.
Donald Slone, the victim’s son, said the conviction serves as a warning to others hiring caregivers. “It’s a reminder that a simple background check can prevent something like this,” he said.
Records show Hickling’s nursing license was suspended in 2018 under her former name, Jennifer Michelle Curry, after a drug possession investigation. The charges were later dismissed following her completion of court-ordered rehabilitation, but her license became null and void in 2020.
Assistant State Attorney Elise Kearney said the resolution was appropriate, noting that Hickling’s felony conviction will appear on all future job applications.
