A Florida woman hired to care for an elderly Palm Coast resident spent New Year’s Eve behind bars after deputies say she treated herself to a shopping spree using the victim’s money.
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) announced the arrest of 32-year-old Katie Swain of Pomona Park, following an investigation that began in early December. According to investigators, a resident at the HarborChase of Palm Coast assisted living facility noticed cash missing from his wallet and spotted several unauthorized transactions on his bank statement.
Detectives with the FCSO Problem Area Crime Enforcement (PACE) unit quickly zeroed in on Swain, a recent hire at the facility who had been assigned to care for the victim on the day the items disappeared.
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Investigators said a review of the financial records revealed a clear trail: the stolen debit card was being used primarily in Putnam County, near Swain’s residence. Security footage obtained from various retailers allegedly captured Swain using the senior’s card to buy gas, groceries, and snacks. Between the physical swipes and online orders, authorities say she racked up $664.02 in fraudulent charges and stole $30 in cash.
Sheriff Rick Staly did not mince words regarding the breach of trust.
“This woman abused her position of trust and authority as a home health aide for gas, donuts and trinkets,” Staly said. “She stole from a senior that trusted her and used his debit card as her own, but luckily for her, there are plenty of snacks she can buy with her own money from the commissary at the Green Roof Inn.”
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Swain was taken into custody on Dec. 31, 2025, and booked into the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility. She faces charges of Fraudulent Use of Personal Identification Information and Grand Theft from a Person Over 65 Years of Age.
She has since been released after posting a $10,000 bond.
Following the arrest, the Sheriff’s Office issued a reminder for residents to verify the background of any caregivers or companies hired to work with seniors. Licensure verification is available through the Florida Department of Health.
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