A 59-year-old woman has been taken into custody in Doral, Florida, after facing accusations of financially exploiting an 86-year-old woman under her care. The suspect, identified as Mónica Orta, has a long criminal record across various counties in South Florida and is now confronting serious charges, including credit card fraud and elder exploitation.
The arrest occurred on August 26, executed by the Doral Police Department, following an investigation that uncovered Orta’s fraudulent use of the victim’s credit cards to make purchases at stores like Macy’s and Nordstrom.
A Criminal History Dating Back to 2004
According to Local 10 News, Mónica Orta has a history of criminal activity in both Miami-Dade and Broward, with numerous theft-related arrests dating back to 2004. She has been detained by several police departments including Miami-Dade, Aventura, Hialeah, Doral, Pembroke Pines, Plantation, and the Broward Sheriff’s Office.
Despite this extensive record, Orta was employed by an agency to care for the elderly victim who resides in the gated community of Goldvue Estates in Doral. Since July 2025, Orta had been responsible for her care.
Fraud Unveiled by Suspicious Calls
The series of events leading to Orta’s arrest began on August 21 when the victim received a call from Macy’s fraud department alerting her to three suspicious transactions. Shortly thereafter, a similar call came from Nordstrom, as reported by Local 10 News.
The next day, the elderly woman confronted her caregiver, inquiring if Orta had visited the mall the previous day. Orta denied leaving the house. However, suspicions grew when after taking a shower, the victim realized a ring valued at $2,500, which she wore daily, was missing.
"Orta left the premises without informing the victim, just as she was in the shower," noted the police report cited by Univisión.
Video Evidence and Key Findings
Authorities accessed surveillance footage showing Mónica Orta using the victim's credit cards at various stores in the county. The videos depict the suspect making purchases worth hundreds of dollars.
The arrest took place on Tuesday, August 26, when Doral officers intercepted Orta in a Chevrolet Equinox near her residence in Hialeah. During the search, they found the victim’s credit cards, purchase receipts, and a gift card linked to the fraudulent transactions, as detailed in the police report cited by WSVN.
Formal Charges and Legal Proceedings
According to court documents reviewed by Local 10, Miami-Dade prosecutors have filed seven felony charges and two misdemeanor charges against Mónica Orta. The charges include:
- Exploitation of an elderly and disabled victim.
- Organized scheme to defraud.
- Identity fraud (two counts).
- Credit card fraud over $100 (three counts).
- Credit card fraud under $100 (two counts).
The case is set to be presided over by Judge Michelle Delancy of the Miami-Dade Circuit. The police have not yet disclosed the name of the agency that employed Orta, despite her criminal background.
During questioning, Orta claimed she had voluntarily resigned and no longer wished to work with the victim, describing her as "rude and dishonest," as noted in the official report cited by Local 10 News.
Call for Information from Other Possible Victims
Detectives from the Doral Police Department are urging anyone with additional information regarding this case, or who may have been victimized similarly by Orta, to contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477, where anonymity is assured.
Common Questions Regarding the Arrest of Mónica Orta
What charges is Mónica Orta facing?
Mónica Orta is facing several charges including exploitation of an elderly and disabled victim, organized scheme to defraud, identity fraud, and credit card fraud.
How was Mónica Orta caught?
Orta was caught after surveillance footage and credit card records showed her making unauthorized purchases with the victim's credit cards at various stores.
What should other potential victims do?
Other potential victims are encouraged to contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477 to provide information, with the assurance of anonymity.