Carmel Caregiver Arrested for Credit Card Fraud
Latrice Merriweather faces multiple felony charges after allegedly stealing a patient's card for personal purchases.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Financial Crime
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Carmel police arrested 60-year-old Latrice Merriweather for allegedly using a patient's credit card for unauthorized spending. The caregiver now faces four criminal charges following an investigation into thousands of dollars in illicit transactions.
Why it matters
The case highlights risks to vulnerable individuals in assisted living facilities and the importance of security protocols for caregivers. It underscores the legal consequences for those entrusted with the care of endangered adults who abuse that position.
Merriweather faces four charges, including felony fraud and theft, with a jury trial scheduled for February 1, 2027. Police initiated the investigation on October 5 following reports of suspicious account activity.
The players
Latrice Merriweather
The 60-year-old suspect is a former caregiver who faces felony charges for allegedly stealing from an elderly patient.
Carmel Police Department
This law enforcement agency is responsible for investigating crimes and maintaining public safety within the city of Carmel.
The details
Investigators identified Merriweather after reviewing surveillance footage from stores in Indianapolis, Whitestown, and Chicago where the stolen card was used. The suspect admitted to detectives that she used the card for personal expenses before discarding it.
Timeline
Fraudulent transactions occurred between September 13 and September 19, 2026.
The Carmel Police Department launched an investigation on October 5, 2026.
Latrice Merriweather was arrested while arriving at work on October 9, 2026.
A jury trial for the case is scheduled to begin on February 1, 2027.
Legal Context
The prosecution of this case relies on Indiana's exploitation of an endangered adult statute, which provides enhanced penalties for those who target vulnerable populations. Similar cases in the region have historically resulted in felony fraud and theft convictions for caregivers who breach professional trust.
This incident serves as a reminder for families with loved ones in assisted living to regularly monitor financial statements for unauthorized activity. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious transactions immediately to prevent further exploitation.
The takeaway
Maintaining close oversight of financial accounts is a critical safeguard for individuals residing in assisted living facilities. Families should verify that power of attorney and account access permissions are strictly managed to prevent potential abuse by staff.
What happens next
Latrice Merriweather is scheduled to appear for a jury trial on February 1, 2027.
Further reading
For more information on local investigations, visit the Financial Crime section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fox 59.
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