Tile Worker Moved In With Elderly Women, Stole $120K: FDLE

BRADENTON, FL — Accused of exploiting his elderly client, a 45-year-old tile and marble worker in Bradenton was arrested Tuesday by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office on a warrant issued by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Jason DeCicco has been charged with exploitation of the elderly, a first-degree felony, the FDLE said in a news release.

He was initially hired by an elderly woman for a bathroom remodel that eventually turned into a home renovation project, although DeCicco was not a licensed contractor, FDLE said.

He befriended the woman, eventually moving in with her. The woman, who said DeCicco reminded her of her deceased husband, has dementia and sometimes called him by her late husband’s name, the FDLE said.

Over the span of five years, DeCicco defrauded the woman out of more than $120,000 without completing the renovations, FDLE said.

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When the victim’s family asked the court to appoint a professional guardian, DeCicco manipulated the elderly victim into believing the family was not acting in her best interest and that she did not need a guardian, FDLE said.

DeCicco worked with an attorney and mortgage broker to refinance the victim’s home mortgage for the remaining equity when the mortgage was nearly paid off. The attorney overcharged the victim for his legal fees without approval from the court and was suspended by The Florida Bar for his involvement, FDLE said.

“The facts of this case are sickening—the defendant targeted a senior, moved into her home and stole more than $120,000,” Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody said. “We must protect seniors from criminals who target them. I am glad my statewide prosecutors, working with FDLE, were able to stop this fraud and arrest the suspect. We will aggressively prosecute this case to help ensure the defendant can never again swindle a Florida senior.

FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen added, “DeCicco established himself in a position of trust, pretending to care for and help the victim, all while he was stealing from her and working to drain her financial resources.”