Woman Accused of Stealing $126K From 94-Year-Old

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — A 68-year-old St. Petersburg woman faces felony charges after police say she swiped more than $126,000 from a 94-year-old man.

According to the agency, Jane Vatelot served as a licensed professional guardian, contracted to help the elderly man with his finances. The victim gave Vatelot power of attorney, but he “lacked the capacity to consent at the time,” police wrote in an email to media.

That power of attorney designation enabled Vatelot to gain access to the man’s living trust account, police said.

“The investigation revealed Vatelot used the victim’s funds for her own personal expenses, including mortgage, credit cards and car insurance payments,” the email said.

The total loss at this time is approximated at $126,000, police said.

Vatelot was charged with exploitation of the elderly.

Booking photo courtesy of the St. Petersburg Police Department