Caregiver accused of stealing $11,000 from elderly woman

A Cape Girardeau woman allegedly used access to an elderly woman's debit and credit cards to steal more than $11,000 over a three-month period.

Ulanda Kaye Smith, 38, was issued an arrest warrant Monday. She is charged with a felony count of financial exploitation of the elderly.

Smith was working as private-pay caregiver for a 74-year-old woman living in the 800 block of Good Hope Street, and part of Smith's duties was to grocery shop and make withdrawals from the victim's checking account, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services investigator Mindy Sweezer wrote in a probable-cause report.

Smith withdrew $2,123 from an ATM at Isle Casino Cape Girardeau between June 25 and July 9, and she later admitted to using the victim's debit card at the casino without her permission, Sweezer wrote.

Smith spent $5,610 between July 15 and 21, making transactions at various ATMs -- where she was seen on surveillance cameras -- and using the victim's money at Wal-Mart -- with corresponding receipts, according to the statement.

From July 15 through Aug. 5, the victim was hospitalized. When the victim's First State Community Bank credit card stopped working, Smith began using the USAA credit card and Macy's credit card, and from July 22 through Aug. 15, Smith racked up another $1,589 spent at Macy's.

From July 23 through 31, Smith spent $2,548 on the victim's USAA credit card at various locations, including vehicle repairs for Smith's mother and utility bills, Sweezer wrote.

Smith admitted to Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services investigator EJ Jackson on Oct. 15 she used the victim's cards and entered the victim's apartment when she was hospitalized or in the Lutheran Home to gain control of the victim's personal belongings, the report said.

Smith's bond was set at $15,000, cash only.

bkleine@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3644

Pertinent address:

800 block of Good Hope Street, Cape Girardeau, Mo