Caretakers had ill man sign over deed to home, planned to sell it to buy their own

Suspects face charges of grand theft, exploitation of elderly

WILTON MANORS, Fla. – Two caretakers of a Wilton Manors man whose health was declining had him sign over the deed to his home while he was in a hospital so that they could sell it and use the money to buy their own home, police said.

Rina Lynn Wiseman, 57, and Herbert Joseph, 60, both of Lauderhill, face charges of grand theft and exploitation of the elderly.

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According to police reports, Wiseman and Joseph had been the man's caretaker for about two years, during which time they noticed his declining health and memory issues.

While the man was in a hospital last month, Wiseman and Joseph had him sign a quit claim deed to his home, valued at more than $100,000, police said.

After their arrest, Wiseman and Joseph admitted that they planned to sell the man's home and use the money from the sale to buy a place of their own, police said.

According to Wiseman's arrest affidavit, she admitted to pawning a gold ring that belonged to the man for $55 and cashing a check written to the man for $2,300, using her power-of-attorney status that the man granted her while his health was declining.

Wiseman also faces charges of dealing in stolen property and fraud.


About the Author:

Peter Burke returned for a second stint of duty at Local 10 News in February 2014.