TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – A couple is behind bars after being accused of withdrawing nearly $500,000 from an elderly person\u2019s bank account in what authorities say was an exploitation and fraud scheme, according to the Leon County Sheriff\u2019s Office.<\/p>\n
Karen Blackburn, 66, and 68-year-old James Blackburn were arrested Wednesday and both face charges of exploitation of an elderly person, organized scheme to defraud, grand theft and fraudulent use of personal identification information, LCSO wrote in a press release Thursday.<\/p>\n
![\"Karen](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Y7ZNE77CSFGFLNDYO7OWFO3YIM.jpg\")
Karen Blackburn, 66, and 68-year-old James Blackburn were arrested Wednesday and both face charges of exploitation of an elderly person, organized scheme to defraud, grand theft and fraudulent use of personal identification information, LCSO wrote in a press release Thursday.(Leon County Jail)<\/p>\n
Online records confirmed that the two individuals are married.<\/p>\n
Karen Blackburn had volunteered to become a caregiver for the victim prior to their arrests, according to the sheriff\u2019s office.<\/p>\n
Their arrests follow an investigation that began in January after the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) submitted a report of suspected exploitation, deputies said.<\/p>\n
As a result, detectives coordinated with a DCF investigator and obtained documentation, such as bank records between Jan. 2022 and Dec. 2025, tax records and a written investigative report detailing the allegations, according to the sheriff\u2019s office.<\/p>\n
More on crime in our area<\/p>\n
A further investigation revealed that the Blackburns had access to a Florida Retirement System (FRS) account belonging to the victim, who LCSO said was reported \u201cto have exhibited cognitive decline consistent with Alzheimer\u2019s disease beginning in 2023 and was noted to require assistance with care and daily affairs.\u201d<\/p>\n
Due to the need for assistance with care, Karen Blackburn volunteered to become the victim\u2019s caregiver.<\/p>\n
Detectives reviewed financial records showing that approximately $470,000 was withdrawn from the victim\u2019s account over three years, according to LCSO.<\/p>\n
The investigation went on to reveal that funds from the victim\u2019s account were transferred into a joint account with Karen Blackburn. Deputies said that financial records indicated that the Blackburns allegedly used the funds for \u201cpersonal expenditures, including out-of-town trips, lavish hotels, gambling at multiple casinos and dining at upscale restaurants.\u201d<\/p>\n
As a result, both suspects were taken into custody and transported to the Leon County Detention Facility.<\/p>\n
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