Caretaker accused of stealing $30K from 79-year-old Vietnam veteran in Charlotte County

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. —

The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office has accused Irlene Innocent Saint Armand of stealing more than $30,000 from Michael Kraft, a 79-year-old Vietnam War veteran she was hired to care for through Visiting Angels.

"People do desperate things, but thieves are thieves," Kraft said.

Kraft, who has been on 179 cruises, most recently last year, kept jewelry, rare coins, cash, and a collection of 1,000 two-dollar bills in his safe. He recounted an incident when he wanted to tip one of his caretakers for Christmas and asked her to open the safe for trip money, only to find it empty.

"I wanted to give one of my caretakers a tip. So I had her open up the safe for the trip money. And it wasn't there," Kraft said.

Kraft, who rarely wears the 22-carat gold chain he bought in Dubai, said, "It's just it's too Mr. T for me," but acknowledged its sentimental value, adding, "I don't know if I'll ever go to Dubai again."

Recently, Parkinson's disease has confined Kraft to a wheelchair, but he remains hopeful. "I'm trying to get well because I want to start traveling," he said.

Deputies reported that Saint Armand, one of 33 Visiting Angels caregivers in Kraft's home, was identified in a database and accused of pawning Kraft's coins, leading to her arrest on Friday.

"Why did you do this? You ruined your life," Kraft said.

Visiting Angels stated they conduct several employee background checks and confirmed that Saint Armand has been fired.

"Their owner came over yesterday and apologized for everything," Kraft said.

Despite the incident, Kraft has formed a special bond with a few of his caretakers. He advises others to avoid using the same code for their garage and safe, and to regularly check their home security cameras to ensure they are functioning properly.

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