A Carmel caregiver is behind bars after investigators say she quietly drained nearly $29,000 from an 87-year-old client over two years, leaving the woman isolated and low on cash. Adula Valdivia, 49, was booked into the Hamilton County Jail and is facing multiple felony charges, including theft, fraud and exploiting an endangered adult.
According to police and court documents cited by WISH-TV, Valdivia allegedly ran 66 charges to the victim’s credit cards between 2023 and 2025. Investigators say she used the cards to buy airline tickets to Chicago, Phoenix and Mexico for herself and her daughter, make credit card payments and route money to a company she owned that later closed. The alleged victim, identified by police as 87-year-old Alice Galloway, had received in-home help through Visiting Angels, according to investigators. Hamilton County prosecutors have filed the case in Superior Court 1, and Valdivia remains in custody pending prosecution.
Neighbor Amy Smith told WISH-TV she first grew suspicious when she noticed Galloway stopped walking down to pick up her mail. Smith said Valdivia discouraged neighbors from checking in on Galloway, something residents later described to investigators as a pattern of isolation and financial control. Those worries, neighbors say, helped spark the inquiry that ultimately led to the charges.
Elder fraud is on the rise
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center reports that people 60 and older reported more than $3.4 billion in losses to fraud in 2023, with average reported losses exceeding $33,000, a reminder of how costly small, repeated transactions can become over time. The federal data highlights why banks, families and caregivers are urged to watch for unusual payments and report suspicious activity quickly. The FBI maintains resources for reporting suspected elder fraud and preventing future scams.
What the charges mean in Indiana
Indiana law prohibits exploitation of an endangered adult, a statute prosecutors can use to pursue caretakers who improperly use a vulnerable person’s money or property. Legal summaries and court decisions note that unauthorized use of an endangered adult’s funds may be charged alongside theft and fraud, depending on the conduct and how much money is involved. Justia provides analyses of the statute and how it has been applied in prior Indiana cases.
Where to report suspected abuse
If you suspect a loved one is being exploited, state Adult Protective Services and local law enforcement can take reports and open investigations, and national organizations maintain directories of state hotlines and support services. The National Adult Protective Services Association offers guidance for families on spotting red flags, documenting concerns and making reports. NAPSA and the FBI’s IC3 portal accept complaints about online or tech-enabled scams and can help law enforcement track broader fraud patterns.
Prosecutors in Hamilton County will handle Valdivia’s case in Superior Court 1, and court filings will list any upcoming hearings or arraignments. We will monitor public records and report updates as the case moves forward.
