PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — A woman who police say claimed to be a caregiver but was instead stealing from the elderly in Port St. Lucie is now in custody.
WPTV confirms 36-year-old Victoria Alpert turned herself in at the St. Lucie County Jail on Tuesday around 9:30 a.m.
Detectives said Alpert was working as a live-in caregiver and stole thousands of dollars and heirlooms, including a wedding band, from one victim over the past year.
"There’s currently no Florida law that requires anyone to be licensed to provide care to the elderly," said Tim Herring with the Port St. Lucie Police Department. "So I would recommend if anyone is looking to hire a caregiver for a loved one or yourself, is to hire from a reputable agency."
Police fear there are other victims, as they have tracked down at least 20 stolen items at various pawn shops that were allegedly stolen.
Alpert is now facing a variety of charges including organized fraud, petit theft, dealing in stolen property, exploitation of an elderly or disabled adult, uttering a forged, bill, check, or draft, and giving false information to a pawnbroker. Her bond is $106,000.
If you feel you've been victimized by Alpert, call the Port St. Lucie Police Department.
