A DeLand woman has been arrested after allegedly stealing up to $100,000 from an elderly couple at a local gambling cafe. The woman, identified as 42-year-old Maria Rodriguez, was taken into custody by authorities on Tuesday, following weeks of investigation into the theft.
According to police reports, Rodriguez had been frequenting the gambling cafe for several months, where she struck up a friendship with the elderly couple. Over time, Rodriguez allegedly gained the couple’s trust and convinced them to loan her money for various reasons, promising to pay them back at a later date.
However, as time passed, Rodriguez failed to repay the couple as promised. Suspicious of her intentions, the couple began to question Rodriguez’s motives and ultimately discovered that she had been using the money for personal gain, rather than for the reasons she had claimed.
Upon further investigation, authorities uncovered evidence that Rodriguez had been using the stolen funds for gambling and other personal expenses. It is estimated that she had stolen up to $100,000 from the elderly couple over the course of several months.
Rodriguez has been charged with theft from a person 65 years of age or older, exploitation of the elderly, and fraud. She is currently being held at the local county jail on a $50,000 bond.
The case has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community of DeLand, with many residents expressing outrage and concern over the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. Local law enforcement officials have urged residents to be cautious when lending money to others, especially when dealing with strangers.
The elderly couple involved in the case has since been reimbursed for their losses, thanks to a community fundraising effort. They have expressed gratitude for the support they have received and hope that justice will be served in Rodriguez’s case.
As the investigation into Rodriguez’s alleged crimes continues, authorities have urged anyone with information related to the case to come forward. Additionally, they have advised residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious behavior to law enforcement immediately.
