A 59-year-old caretaker, Monica Orta, is facing multiple charges after being accused of exploiting an elderly woman's finances in Doral, authorities say. According to WSVN, Orta allegedly used the victim's credit card to buy items at clothing stores around Miami-Dade. Doral police stated Orta was captured on surveillance footage while making the purchases.
On Tuesday, Orta was arrested following a traffic stop where investigators discovered transaction receipts and a store gift card in her possession, after working as a caretaker for an elderly Doral resident. Orta, with a theft record dating back to 2004, was linked by the detective's findings to the fraud. She has been charged with organized scheme to defraud, fraudulent use of a credit card, and exploitation of the elderly among other felonies.
Further details provided by Local 10 reveal that Orta has a history of theft misdemeanors and felonies across multiple counties. Doral Chief Edwin Lopez highlighted that surveillance videos showed her shopping with the victim's credit cards at stores like Nordstrom and Macy's.
The victim was alerted to the suspicious transactions by Macy's and Nordstrom's fraud departments. Having suspected Orta, the victim confronted her, but Orta denied going to the mall the previous day and abruptly left the victim's home, police said. During this time, after taking a shower, the victim found her $2,500 ring missing. Arrested near her Hialeah home, Orta was found with credit cards, receipts, and a gift card from the crimes.
Orta's employment through an unnamed agency, despite her extensive criminal record, is now in question. During interrogation, Orta accused the victim of "rudeness and disrespect" and lying. Charges against Orta in connection with the Doral incident include exploiting an elderly disabled victim, identification fraud, and credit card fraud. Miami-Dade County Circuit Judge Michelle Delancy has been set to preside over the case. Detectives are urging anyone with information on this or other cases to contact Miami-Dade County Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477 to remain anonymous.
