OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The Ocala Police Department (OPD) says they arrested a man they believe stole over $16,500 from a woman in her 90s.

Police say on Jan. 31, they began an investigation of a case regarding a woman in her 90s after a tenant manager shared that the elderly woman was six months behind on her rent and owed thousands of dollars.

They say the woman lives at The Villas at Spanish Oaks.

OPD says they discovered that 53-year-old Jose Luis Ortiz Garcia recently began living with the elderly woman. Before moving in with her, police say Garcia lived a few houses down, and did not know the woman. They say he claimed he moved in with her to take care of her.

In January 2023, the police department says the woman signed a power of attorney document designating Garcia as her agent. They say she thought it was for medical purposes and not for financial reasons.

Police say evidence indicates Garcia mismanaged the woman’s finances, ultimately leading to unpaid rent and utility bills.

OPD says the victim was shocked by her unpaid bills because she had set them to be drafted out of her account automatically.

After detectives reviewed the victim’s bank statements, they say they discovered multiple unauthorized transactions to cover Garcia’s personal expenses including ATM withdrawals, convenience store purchases, Cash App transactions, restaurant payments, and cell phone bill payments. Detectives say the victim’s bank account was often in the negative.

“It was evident that Mr. Garcia was not using the victim’s funds for her best interest and general welfare, as stated in the power of attorney document, but has been spending her available money on everyday purchases and personal monthly expenses,” stated the police department.

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Police say Garcia racked up more than $16,500 unauthorized charges.

They arrested Garcia and charged him with exploitation of the elderly, grand theft, and criminal use of personal identification.

“This is a great example of a concerned citizen who saw suspicious activity and called the police to look into it!” stated OPD in a Facebook post.

Police ask if you or someone you know has had interactions with Garcia in regard to financial management or power of attorney arrangements, to contact detectives at 352-369-7000.