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FDLE arrests couple for elderly exploitation

 
VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – FDLE agents arrested Steven Braddock, 49, a former sergeant of the Port Orange Police Department, and his wife Mary Braddock, 50, of New Smyrna Beach, for exploitation of an elderly person and forgery.
 
The investigation began in November 2018, when the Port Orange Police Department asked FDLE to investigate allegations of forgery and fraud against an elderly woman over whom the Braddocks had assumed power of attorney.
 
Investigators found the power of attorney document giving the Braddocks control over the woman was fraudulent.  With the fraudulent document, the couple profited off the sale of her home and received money from renting another property owned by the woman.  The couple also withdrew nearly $10,000 from the woman’s bank account and charged more than $12,000 to her credit card. 
 
In total, the Braddocks stole more than $300,000 from the woman.  On December 31, 2018, the woman was evicted from the assisted living facility where she lived for failure to pay.  
 
Steven Braddock turned himself in last night to the Volusia County Jail, while Mary Braddock turned herself in earlier today.  The Office of the State Attorney, 7th Judicial Circuit, will prosecute this case.
 
For Further Information Contact:
Gretl Plessinger, Jessica Cary or Jeremy Burns
FDLE Office of Public Information
(850) 410-7001

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Priorities

FDLE is composed of five areas: Executive Direction and Business Support, Criminal Investigations and Forensic Science, Criminal Justice Information, Criminal Justice Professionalism and Florida Capitol Police. FDLE’s duties, responsibilities and procedures are mandated through Chapter 943, FS, and Chapter 11, FAC. To learn more about these areas, read our Statement of Agency Organization and Operation or visit our Open Government page.