Port St. Lucie police arrested Barbara Baumgarten, 60, on Thursday following a months-long investigation into alleged elder exploitation and neglect. Investigators say Baumgarten drained approximately $100,000 from an 85-year-old man's bank accounts and fraudulently listed herself as a co-borrower on a $616,550 mortgage tied to the victim. Baumgarten was booked at the St. Lucie County Jail on $310,000 bond and faces felony charges of grand theft from a person 65 years of age or older, exploitation of an elderly person or disabled adult, and neglect of an elderly person or disabled adult.
The investigation began March 18 when Baumgarten, working as the victim's caregiver, found the elderly man injured on the floor of his Port St. Lucie home. The victim initially claimed four men had entered his home and assaulted him, but surveillance footage showed no one entering or leaving the property and no signs of forced entry or theft. The victim provided inconsistent accounts of what occurred, and detectives determined he was experiencing significant cognitive issues. Detectives continued looking into the victim's overall well-being and circumstances, eventually shifting the investigation toward concerns of elder exploitation and neglect.
The investigation, documented in a 45-page report, found that as the victim's physical and cognitive health declined, he became increasingly dependent on Baumgarten. Detectives determined Baumgarten had assumed significant control over the victim's finances and legal affairs, including power of attorney and healthcare surrogate. Investigators learned the victim had been isolated from family and friends and that changes had been made to his estate documents that benefited Baumgarten. Records reviewed by detectives showed a decline in his financial accounts from $105,971 in March 2023 to approximately $4,897 by April 2026.
Investigators also uncovered a $616,550 mortgage on Baumgarten's residence in which the victim was listed as a co-borrower, despite the property being solely in Baumgarten's name. Evidence indicated the victim was reportedly unaware his signature appeared on the mortgage. Detectives worked with healthcare providers, caregivers, family members, financial institutions and other agencies to establish the full extent of the circumstances.
The Florida Department of Children and Families substantiated allegations of exploitation and determined the victim lacked the capacity to independently make his own decisions. The victim was removed from Baumgarten's care, placed under a temporary guardianship, and reunited with his family. Baumgarten had her first appearance in court Friday.