In a troubling incident that has raised concerns about trust and security in elder care, a home health aide in Flagler County, Florida, has been apprehended for allegedly exploiting her position to commit fraud. The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office reported that Katie Swain, aged 32, was arrested for making over $600 in unauthorized purchases using a stolen debit card, alongside a charge of grand theft from an elderly individual.
The case came to light when a resident at HarborChase of Palm Coast discovered suspicious charges on his bank statement in December 2025. Upon reviewing his finances, he noticed not only the unauthorized transactions but also that cash and his debit card were missing. This alarming discovery prompted him to report the matter to the police.
Following the report, the sheriff’s office launched an investigation, directing their attention to Swain, a relatively new employee at the facility. Swain served as the primary caregiver for the victim at the time of the theft, placing her in a position of trust that she allegedly betrayed.
Authorities revealed that Swain used the victim’s card to make fraudulent purchases amounting to more than $660, in addition to stealing $30 in cash. The charges filed against her include fraudulent use of personal identification information and exploiting an individual over 65, a serious breach of both legal and ethical standards.
This incident underscores the critical importance of vigilance and trust in the caregiving profession, highlighting the need for stringent background checks and oversight to protect vulnerable populations from such violations.
In total, police say that Swain made over $660 in fraudulent purchases on the victim’s card and stole $30 in cash.
FCSO arrested her on Wednesday and was later released on a $10,000 bond.
“This woman abused her position of trust and authority as a home health aide for gas, donuts and trinkets,” Flagler County Sheriff Rick 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.”
