MIAMI – A woman accused of posing as a spiritual adviser and robbing an elderly woman was ordered held without bond Wednesday in court.
With the help of an interpreter, Rafaela Mendoza appeared before a bond court judge to face the charges against her.
Mendoza was arrested Tuesday after she approached an elderly woman while on her bicycle and conned the 91-year-old woman into letting her inside her home.
"This woman on the bicycle says that she's going to give the victim a spiritual cleansing to her home," Miami police spokeswoman Kenia Reyes said.
Once inside, police said, Mendoza started rummaging through the home and was confronted by the elderly woman.
Mendoza fought off the woman and her daughter, peddling away with items from the home, police said.
Despite her quick getaway, Mendoza told the judge that she is ill and requested to stay at a hospital.
"Please, yes, I feel in bad shape," Mendonza said through a translator.
Mendoza was taken to a clinic to be treated for health issues until she's well enough to head to jail.