CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Coral Gables police arrested a 31-year-old woman Monday after she stole an elderly woman’s American Express card and racked up charges on it, authorities said.
According to the suspect’s arrest report, Doris Nieves Ruiz, of Miami, has since been fired as a caretaker at The Palace assisted living facility where the 85-year-old victim lives.
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Police said a total of 5,538.13 in fraudulent charges were made on the victim’s card between October and November 2023 at stores such as Publix, Ross, Sedano’s, Target and Home Depot, and restaurants, including Fogo De Chao Steak House, Say Tea and Smile, El Tabo Grill and Malakor Thai.
The victim told police that she did not authorize anyone to use her cards.
According to the arrest report, Nieves Ruiz was taken into custody Monday at her home.
Police said she was transported to the police station, where she agreed to be interviewed and claimed that the victim had given her permission to use the Amex card.
She claimed the victim was forgetful and may not have remembered all of the purchases, the report stated.
Nieves Ruiz was ultimately arrested on charges of using the identification of a government employee or veteran, exploitation of an elderly victim and theft from an elderly person.
As of Tuesday afternoon, Nieves Ruiz remained at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.