Caretaker Accused of Stealing $63,000 From Aunt With Dementia Meant for Assisted Living Care

by Ryan Yousefi June 16, 2026

by Ryan Yousefi June 16, 2026 2 minutes read

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Crystal Olga Terry Gonzalez {BSO}

A Bronx woman who served as caretaker for her aunt is facing felony charges after investigators say she stole tens of thousands of dollars intended for the woman’s assisted living care expenses.

According to Broward County Sheriff’s Office records, Crystal Olga Terry Gonzalez, 38, is accused of exploiting her aunt, who suffers from advanced dementia and was considered a vulnerable adult under Florida law.

Investigators with the Coral Springs Police Department said Monagas-Garcia sold her Hialeah condo in April 2021 for approximately $156,295. Authorities said the money was intended to help cover the cost of her care at an assisted living facility in Palm Beach Gardens.

Police said the real estate sale closed at a Coral Springs title company, where Gonzalez was present in her role as caretaker. The sale proceeds were deposited into joint bank accounts opened in both women’s names that same day.

According to detectives, Gonzalez later transferred substantial amounts of money from those accounts into her personal bank accounts. Investigators allege the funds were used for cash withdrawals, credit card payments, shopping purchases, and restaurant expenses in Florida, New York, and New Jersey.

Records reviewed during the investigation showed the assisted living facility charged roughly $3,000 per month for care. Detectives said Gonzalez initially made payments but later reduced them to the victim’s monthly Social Security benefit amount, approximately $1,053.

As unpaid balances grew, facility administrators told investigators, which eventually led the victim to move to a less expensive facility before eventually passing away in 2023.

Authorities allege financial records show more than $63,000 of the victim’s money was spent on Gonzalez’s personal expenses.

Gonzalez was arrested and is being held in the Palm Beach County Jail.

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Ryan Yousefi

Ryan Yousefi has lived in Coral Springs for over 30 years. He has worked as a writer for multiple outlets over the years, including the Miami New Times where he has covered sports and culture since 2013. He holds a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Business Healthcare Management from Western Governors University.