Caregiver Steals $24,000 for Gambling
A Miami-Dade caregiver is facing felony charges after authorities say she stole nearly $24,000 from an elderly woman with Alzheimer’s disease and used the money to support a gambling habit at South Florida casinos.
According to investigators, Charlotte Regina Butler, 65, served as the woman’s caregiver for several years and was entrusted with helping manage her finances as the victim’s cognitive health declined. That trust, detectives allege, was ultimately exploited through repeated unauthorized withdrawals from the woman’s bank account.
The investigation began after concerns were raised about unusual financial activity involving the elderly victim’s accounts. Detectives reviewed bank records and found a pattern of cash withdrawals that stretched over several years. Many of the transactions occurred at automated teller machines located inside casinos throughout South Florida.
Authorities say the withdrawals totaled approximately $24,070 between 2019 and 2023. Investigators believe the money was used almost exclusively for gambling rather than for the victim’s care or living expenses.
Financial records also allegedly showed that the victim’s primary income came from Social Security benefits and transfers from her personal accounts, making the losses particularly significant. Prosecutors say the missing funds represented money intended to support the woman’s daily care and medical needs.
As part of the investigation, detectives obtained casino player records that reportedly matched many of the dates and amounts of the bank withdrawals. Investigators say the records showed gambling activity that closely corresponded with the cash taken from the victim’s account, strengthening the case that the money was used for personal gambling.
Authorities also allege Butler admitted during prior guardianship proceedings that she regularly withdrew money from the shared bank account while visiting casinos. According to investigators, there was no evidence that the funds were ever repaid.
The investigation further found that Butler and her daughter allegedly lived in the victim’s home for an extended period without paying rent or household expenses, while many of those costs continued to be covered using the victim’s finances.
Florida law considers exploitation of an elderly or disabled adult a serious felony offense, particularly when the victim suffers from a condition such as Alzheimer’s disease that limits their ability to recognize or report financial abuse. Law enforcement agencies across the state continue to warn that seniors with dementia remain among the most vulnerable targets for financial exploitation because they often rely on caregivers to handle banking, bills, and other financial responsibilities.
Experts say family members should regularly review financial statements, monitor for unusual withdrawals, and establish oversight whenever someone is granted access to an elderly relative’s accounts. Even trusted caregivers can misuse financial authority when proper safeguards are not in place.
Butler was arrested and booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. A judge set her bond at $5,000 and ordered her to have no contact with the alleged victim while the criminal case moves forward.
She has been charged with exploitation of an elderly or disabled adult. As with all criminal cases, Butler is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
