Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
-Economic Crimes Unit

Dorris Smith (Victim)
DOB: 07/21/1921
Address: 1255 Pasadena Avenue South, St. Petersburg

Meyonta L. Johnson (Arrested)
DOB: 9/26/1975
Address: 2238 Coronada Way, St. Petersburg
Charges: One count of grand theft from persons 65 years of age or older.

What:
Detectives assigned to the Economic Crimes Unit have arrested a home health aide for grand theft after she stole a 95-year-old woman’s ATM/Debit card and withdrew funds from the victim’s bank account.

When:

The crime occurred between November 28, 2016 and January 2, 2017.

The suspect was arrested on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at approximately 5:15 p.m.

Where:
The crime occurred at various Regions Bank locations in Pinellas County. 

Why/How:
Detectives assigned to the Economic Crimes Unit have arrested a home health aide for grand theft after she stole a 95-year-old woman’s ATM/Debit card and withdrew funds from the victim’s bank account.

Detectives began their investigation in January 2017, after the victim, 95-year-old Dorris Smith, reported to law enforcement that someone was withdrawing money from her Regions bank account without her authorization.

Through various investigative techniques, detectives identified the victim’s home health aide, 41-year-old Meyonta Johnson, as the suspect. Johnson was an employee of Bayada Home Health Care, assigned to caring for Smith at the Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay assisted living facility located at 1255 Pasadena Avenue South in St. Petersburg.  

According to detectives, the suspect stole the victims ATM card, made several ATM withdrawals and personal car payments without the victim’s permission, totaling over $2,500.

Detectives interviewed Johnson at about 4:45 p.m. on Tuesday, February 7, 2017.

Johnson was arrested at about 5:15 p.m. on February 7, 2017, and was transported to the Pinellas County Jail without further incident. 

Johnson was charged with one count of grand theft from persons 65 years of age or older.

The investigation continues. 

Booking photo of Meyonta L. Johnson.