Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Kendra Latosha Ford, aged 44, faces six charges of exploiting an elderly individual, following accusations of taking over $1,400 from a man who employed her as his caregiver.

At the time of the incident, Ford had been working as a full-time caregiver for the victim for approximately two months. Her responsibilities included driving him to shops and running errands for him while he stayed in the vehicle. Occasionally, she was entrusted with driving his car and using his debit card for these errands.

During the period from June 14 to June 26, 2024, while Ford was tasked with using the victim’s debit card for grocery shopping on his behalf, she allegedly conducted six unauthorized ATM withdrawals, amounting to more than $1,200. Additionally, she purportedly bought personal items, including food, charcoal, and a canopy tent, totaling $151.77.

The victim detected the unauthorized transactions upon checking his bank statements and reported the discrepancies to Ford’s employer. According to reports from the employer, Ford refuted any claims of theft from the victim. However, surveillance footage reportedly captured her making ATM withdrawals at different places and buying personal items at Walmart.

Ford now faces six counts of exploiting the elderly. She has a history of five misdemeanor convictions, one involving violence. Judge Susan Miller-Jones has assigned a bail amount of $150,000 for her case.

Information regarding arrests is sourced from reports by law enforcement agencies. The charges discussed are derived from arrest reports and/or court records, serving as allegations. All individuals accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.