In what many are calling a shocking betrayal of trust, a Haitian caregiver in Palm Beach County, Mathieu Gustave, was arrested on June 12, 2025, for allegedly stealing thousands of dollars from a vulnerable elderly man suffering from dementia. Gustave, a Certified Nursing Assistant who had been working in senior care, is now facing serious charges of exploitation of an elderly person and fraudulent use of identification.
The case is disturbing not only because of the amount of money involved, more than $17,000 in unauthorized withdrawals and purchases, but also because it highlights how deeply elder financial abuse can be hidden in plain sight. And perhaps most surprising to many in the Haitian-American community is that one of their own is at the center of this disturbing case.
Between August 2022 and June 2023, investigators say Gustave abused his client’s trust by using his credit card to purchase high-end items from Amazon including smartphones, shoes, perfume, and smartwatches. He also allegedly transferred $1,800 to his Cash App account and paid $600 in T-Mobile phone bills using the victim’s identity.
When questioned, Gustave denied wrongdoing, claiming he either didn’t remember making the purchases or that the client had “given him permission” because they were “like family.” But the paper trail, including dozens of transactions and account links, paints a very different picture.
He is currently being held in the Palm Beach County Jail with zero bond, and his case is now moving through the court system.
What makes this case especially disturbing is how easily it could have gone unnoticed. The victim, an elderly man with dementia, likely had little awareness that his caregiver was draining his resources. This is exactly what predators look for, vulnerable individuals who can’t speak up, don’t understand what’s happening, or are too afraid to ask for help.
For many, the shock comes not just from the crime, but from the person accused of committing it. In a profession where trust is everything, and in a community where family values are deeply rooted, it’s particularly upsetting to see a Haitian caregiver involved in such a calculated and predatory act.
This case is a stark reminder to all families with elderly loved ones, do not assume everything is okay just because someone “seems nice” or is part of a familiar community. Abuse can happen quietly, and the financial impact can be devastating.
Families should:
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Regularly monitor bank and credit card statements for unusual activity
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Set up transaction alerts through banks or apps to flag unauthorized spending
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Speak privately with elderly relatives about their care and whether they feel safe
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Make sure caregivers are thoroughly vetted, even if they come recommended
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Consider legal safeguards like power of attorney or guardianship in cases of cognitive decline
As the population ages, elder exploitation cases are rising at an alarming rate nationwide. Financial abuse of seniors is now considered one of the fastest-growing forms of elder abuse in the United States. Often, it is committed by someone the victim knows, like a caregiver, relative, or even a neighbor.
This is not just a South Florida problem. Cases like this are happening in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Massachusetts, where elder care is a booming but loosely regulated industry. State lawmakers and local agencies must take a closer look at how caregivers are screened and what protections are in place for elderly residents who can no longer advocate for themselves.
As Gustave awaits his court proceedings, the case sends a chilling message. Financial predators don’t wear masks, they wear name tags, uniforms, and friendly smiles.
To protect our most vulnerable, we must stay alert, ask tough questions, and most importantly, show up. Because silence is what abusers count on, and families are the first line of defense.
If you suspect elder financial abuse, contact Florida Adult Protective Services or the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11.
