Former Miami-Dade corrections officer exploited elderly neighbor, authorities say

A former Miami-Dade corrections officer was arrested in Broward County on Thursday and accused of taking advantage of her severely disabled elderly neighbor, authorities say.

Carmelia Newbold, 51, was a neighbor of Thomas Edward Chiappetta, who needed round-the-clock care. After the death in 2020 of Chiappetta’s sister, who had been his sole caregiver, Newbold is accused of fraudulently taking over the siblings’ home and assets, according to Broward County Property Appraiser Marty Kiar and Sheriff Gregory Tony.

Newbold allegedly produced a durable power of attorney, a legal document that gives someone the authority to make decisions for another person. She claimed it was signed by Chiappetta. However, investigators determined that Chiappetta lacked the mental capacity to sign such a document and it was not properly witnessed, rendering it invalid.

According to investigators:

Using the fraudulent power of attorney, Newbold opened a probate case in Broward County Circuit Court for the estate of Chiappetta’s sister, positioning herself as the personal representative. She then gained access to funds from the sister’s life-insurance policy and deposited the money into a joint account held by Chiappetta and Newbold.

In addition, Newbold was able to transfer Chiappetta’s monthly Social Security benefits to herself — and named herself as beneficiary of his life-insurance policy.

Newbold also transferred ownership of Chiappetta’s Miramar home, valued at nearly $500,000, to herself. Following this, she moved Chiappetta to a long-term-care facility, where he died.

Newbold faces charges that include felony counts of exploitation of the elderly and organized fraud. Court records on Friday show she is in the Broward County Main Jail on a $100,000 bond.

This story was originally published October 11, 2024 at 3:31 PM.