Port Charlotte caregiver accused of stealing $30K from disabled veteran

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. - A Port Charlotte woman was arrested for stealing more than $30,000 worth of property from a disabled Vietnam veteran under her care.

On Dec. 21, a Port Charlotte man reported to the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office that someone had entered his gun safe and stolen gold jewelry and various currencies valued at $30,350.

The man, an elderly and disabled veteran, was receiving care from a home health service. Detectives said that Irlene Innocent Saint Armand, who had been providing care, pawned items identified as stolen property.

Saint Armand was found at another client’s home in Englewood and arrested. She confessed and revealed the location of additional property that had not been pawned. A search warrant at her residence led to the recovery of the stolen items, confirmed by the victim.

“Stealing is bad enough, but to steal from a Vietnam veteran, someone who put his life on the line and went through the horrors of that war, is absolutely disgusting," said Sheriff Bill Prummell. "This individual will face the consequences for her decision, and I am very grateful for the efforts of my detectives to make sure of that. What this man is owed far outweighs what was in that safe.”

Saint Armand is facing charges including Grand Theft from a Person 65 or Older, Dealing in Stolen Property, and Exploitation of Elderly or Disabled Adult. She was taken to the Charlotte County Jail and bonded out for $30,000.