Connecticut Government Law Lawyers

Florida Woman Charged with Exploiting Elderly Aunt

Chief State's Attorney Christopher L. Morano announced today the arrest of a Florida woman accused of deceiving her 88-year-old aunt into giving her ownership of the elderly woman's Old Saybrook home.

CAROLE L. VASTA, age 58, of 4612 Island Reef, Wellington, Florida, was charged with one count each of Larceny in the First Degree and Larceny in the Second Degree of a Victim Over Age Sixty. If convicted of both counts, Ms. Vasta faces a maximum possible sentence of thirty years incarceration.

According to the arrest warrant affidavit, Ms. Vasta fraudulently acquired power of attorney over her 88-year old aunt, who has been diagnosed with a memory deficit and possible early stage Alzheimer's disease.

Using the power of attorney, the warrant alleges, Ms. Vasta fraudulently obtained title to the victim's Old Saybrook home, which has an appraised value of $255,000.

According to the warrant, the transfer of ownership has rendered the aunt ineligible for government benefits to pay for health care services she requires. The victim was informed that she might be eligible for the assistance if ownership of the house was transferred back to her, the warrant states.

Ms. Vasta was arrested this morning and arraigned at Superior Court, G.A. No. 9, Middletown. Bond was set at $75,000. Her next court appearance is scheduled for April 11, 2005.

The case is being prosecuted by the Elder Abuse Unit of the Elder Services Bureau in the Chief State's Attorney's Rocky Hill office.

The charges against Ms. Vasta are merely accusations, and she is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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