A Lake Worth Beach caregiver who exploited an elderly client is headed to state prison. The 42-year-old pleaded guilty Tuesday in Palm Beach County court and was sentenced to five years behind bars for financial crimes tied to her former patient. She will also serve four years of probation after her release and received credit for 295 days already spent in county jail.
According to WPBF, prosecutors said Nerlande Charles pleaded guilty to exploitation of an elderly person or disabled adult, fraudulent use of personal identification information of a dead victim and money laundering. Investigators and court records allege Charles made unauthorized transactions on the victim’s accounts before the woman died and used the victim’s cards for luxury and retail purchases, with alleged losses reaching into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. The plea and sentence followed an investigation that began when relatives noticed suspicious activity involving the estate.
Family flagged odd charges and a title change
The victim’s niece, who served as trustee of the estate, told authorities she discovered unauthorized withdrawals, missing paperwork and personal items after her aunt’s death and then contacted law enforcement. Investigators allege Charles transferred the victim’s Lexus into her own name by forging the signature, sold it for about $35,000 and used the money to buy another car while pocketing the difference, according to earlier reporting on the Lexus title transfer and resale.
Judge orders prison, probation and work ban
In addition to the state prison term, the court ordered Charles to pay court costs and permanently banned her from working as a home-health aide or providing in-home care for elderly or disabled adults. The judge also prohibited any contact between Charles and the niece and barred her from entering the family’s property, according to plea and sentencing documents reported by WPBF. Prosecutors said the punishment reflects both the scope of the alleged thefts and the serious breach of trust that comes with abusing a caregiver role.
How the law treats exploitation
Florida law defines exploitation of an elderly person or disabled adult to include using or attempting to use a vulnerable person’s funds, assets or property, and it ratchets up penalties depending on how much money or value is taken. Under Fla. Stat. §825.103, exploitation involving $50,000 or more can be charged as a first-degree felony and carries significantly harsher penalties. That statute provides the legal framework prosecutors relied on in this case, according to the Florida Legislature.
What families should do if they suspect abuse
Experts and state agencies urge families to keep a close eye on bank statements, maintain copies of important documents and quickly report any unusual financial activity. Florida’s Adult Protective Services and the state Abuse Hotline accept reports of suspected elder exploitation 24/7 at 1-800-962-2873 or online, and the Department of Children and Families offers additional resources for reporting and prevention on its website. Families who believe a relative may be experiencing financial abuse may also want to consult an elder-law attorney to protect assets and help preserve evidence.
