An elderly woman, approximately 85 years old, fell victim to a significant scam at her own residence after hiring an alleged remodeling professional.
Carlos Cabrera, a 34-year-old Hialeah resident, was apprehended for taking more than $39,000, completely dismantling the victim’s kitchen, and then abandoning the project unfinished, as reported by local media referencing the police report.
The suspect lacked the necessary license to operate as a contractor and now faces charges of grand theft, exploitation of an elderly person, and unlicensed contracting.
The Allure of a Home Makeover
According to the arrest report, Cabrera—whose national origin hasn't been disclosed—signed a contract in February 2023 to renovate both the kitchen and bathroom of a home in Miami Springs.
The elderly victim believed he was a qualified worker and agreed to make advance payments to kickstart the project.
Throughout the year, Cabrera cashed three checks totaling $28,846, another for $5,850, and a third for $4,680, amounting to $39,376, as documented in court records.
With the funds secured, he commenced work on the property, albeit only partially.
Kitchen Demolished and Abandoned
What followed was nothing short of disastrous. As per the police report, Cabrera completely dismantled the kitchen, removing furniture and rendering the area utterly unusable.
The last recorded work he did was on April 27, 2023.
After that date, he ceased all contact with the homeowner, leaving her with a "nonfunctional" kitchen, as the report details.
For someone of her age, this situation resulted in not only a significant financial loss but also a direct impact on her daily life.
Seeking Justice Amidst Deception
Faced with no responses, the victim decided to reach out to authorities and filed an official complaint with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
The investigation confirmed her suspicions: Carlos Cabrera was operating without a contractor's license, a crime that becomes more severe when the victim is an elderly individual.
Investigators determined that the suspect collected the payment, initiated the project in a limited manner, and then intentionally abandoned it, leaving the elderly woman without one of the most essential spaces in her home.
A Troubling Past Surfaces
Cabrera was arrested this Wednesday and taken to the Miami-Dade County jail.
Court records disclose a particularly disturbing detail: Cabrera was already out on bail for another similar incident earlier this year, also involving grand theft and unlicensed work.
During Thursday’s bond hearing, the prosecution highlighted the vulnerability of the victim, emphasizing her age of around 85 when the scam occurred, a crucial factor in supporting the charge of exploiting an elderly person.
Cabrera’s bail was set at $3,500. As of the latest update, he is no longer listed in jail records.
Understanding Contractor Fraud in Elderly Cases
What charges does Carlos Cabrera face?
Carlos Cabrera is charged with grand theft, exploitation of an elderly person, and contracting without a license.
How much money did the elderly victim lose?
The victim lost a total of $39,376 due to the fraudulent activities of Carlos Cabrera.
Why is the exploitation charge more severe in this case?
The exploitation charge is more severe because the victim is an elderly person, which aggravates the crime.