Courts & Sentencing
Palmetto Woman Arrested in Sarasota Investigation Into $65K in Alleged Theft
Sarasota Police arrested a 48-year-old Palmetto woman on Sept. 23 following an investigation into alleged theft and fraudulent use of a victim’s accounts that Sarasota detectives say resulted in losses of about $65,000. The arrest occurred in Manatee County after subpoenas and account records were obtained as part of the probe.
According to Sarasota police, the investigation began after the victim reported unauthorized charges and withdrawals on Aug. 18. Detectives allege the suspect had access to the victim’s financial accounts while the victim was incarcerated in Manatee County between August 2025 and mid-2026. Records obtained through multiple subpoenas are cited by police as showing payments, ATM withdrawals, retail purchases, transfers, and credit-card activity that investigators allege were tied to the suspect.
Sarasota police say the suspect was known to the victim through employment and that the victim asked the suspect to manage affairs while jailed. Investigators allege the suspect obtained a power of attorney at the jail and later opened credit cards and paid charges using the victim’s accounts. Detectives also allege the suspect repaid herself from the victim’s account for an attorney retainer after no attorney had been retained.
Charges listed by Sarasota police include grand theft ($20,000–$100,000), criminal use of personal identification, unauthorized use of a credit card, scheme to defraud, and communications fraud. Detectives believe there may be additional victims and ask anyone with information to contact Sarasota Police Detective Ridge Collins at 941-263-6076. Current case status: arrested and charged; allegations are those documented by police.
All individuals accused of a crime are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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All individuals mentioned in criminal allegations are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.