A housekeeper from Greenacres has been arrested in Palm Beach, charged with the theft of thousands of dollars from a centenarian's home. Nancy Lopez, 66, was charged with grand theft from a person 65 years or older and exploitation of an elderly adult, as reported by CBS12. The 100-year-old resident, who required around-the-clock care at her South Ocean Boulevard apartment, had kept a substantial sum hidden in her bedroom's furniture.
The Palm Beach Police Department began its investigation after the victim’s son reported missing funds on March 31. Over time, what was once $9,000 tucked away dwindled, ultimately prompting the son to install a camera in his mother's bedroom. According to WPBF, that same camera caught Lopez taking multiple $20 bills from the secret compartment while the victim's nursing aide attended to her elsewhere in the apartment.
The evidence, which comprised video footage, text message exchanges, and audio recordings, led to Lopez's arrest. In a text message confrontation, the son accused Lopez of the theft, telling her, "You're fired. Over $5,000 has disappeared from that table we have evidence of you taking money from there," as revealed by CBS12. Lopez then acknowledged taking the money and proposed to return $3,000 upfront with a plan to repay the rest over time.
Upon reviewing the evidence, the victim's son discovered that of the original $9,000, only $1,800 remained. This revelation strengthened his resolve to pursue legal action against Lopez. In a text response to the son’s claim, Lopez stated, "I am willing to accommodate my mistake. I only can give you $3,000. Please allow me to make the rest in lump sum even though I didn't steal from your mom," according to CBS12. Lopez, who had worked for the family for over five years, was taken into custody by local authorities and booked into the Palm Beach County Jail following the investigation.
