11-02-2025
Midland caregiver accused of stealing $337K from elderly woman with dementia in assisted living scheme
MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- A Midland caregiver was arrested after police say she stole more than $337,000 from an elderly woman with dementia by forging over 100 checks from the victim's bank account. 37-year-old Criselda Chavera has been charged with Financial Abuse of the Elderly, a first-degree felony.
According to the arrest affidavit, on December 13, 2024, police responded to a report filed by the victim's daughter, who told police that while reviewing her mother's account, discovered 117 unauthorized checks issued in Chavera's name.
Investigators believe the fraud began in January 2023 and continued until December 2024 while the victim resided at Manor Park Assisted Living. During the investigation, police determined that Chavera, a longtime employee of Accent Care (formerly Nurses Unlimited), allegedly stole a checkbook from the victim and began forging checks to herself.
Upon further investigation, it was found that some of the stolen funds were used for personal purchases, including a vehicle from Frontier Motor Company in Abilene. Detectives were then able to subpoena bank records and found that Chavera had deposited the stolen funds into her personal accounts.
Authorities stated that further examination also revealed irregularities in the check sequence, suggesting that Chavera may have had access to multiple checkbooks at once.
According to the report, Chavera's employment records from Accent Care showed she had worked with the company since 2000 and had signed policy acknowledgments, fraud awareness documentation, and HIPAA compliance agreements. Authorities said that these documents indicate Chavera was fully aware of the ethical and legal standards expected in elder care but still allegedly carried out the financial scheme.
Additionally, reports showed that the assisted living facility told police that Chavera had been working mainly with the victim, and occasionally filled in with other patients, but was suspended in December due to allegations that were made against her. Those allegations were redacted in the affidavit.
Law enforcement has issued a subpoena for additional financial records from Wells Fargo, according to the affidavit.
Based on the evidence found throughout the investigation, an arrest warrant was issued for Chavera, who was later arrested on Monday, February 10, and transported to the Midland County Detention Center, where she remains with a $250,000 bond.
Anyone with additional information related to this case should contact the Midland Police Department's Investigative Services Bureau.
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