South Florida woman accused of exploiting elderly skips court hearing, sought by BSO

A South Florida woman accused of posing as a caregiver to gain access to elderly residents and steal their money and financial information is being sought by authorities after failing to appear for a scheduled court hearing.

The Broward Sheriff’s Office said 27-year-old Jamisha Shamari Sylvain was scheduled to appear in court Thursday morning but did not show up. Detectives are now seeking the public’s help in locating her.

Sylvain has been arrested multiple times and is accused of targeting vulnerable elderly residents by falsely presenting herself as a caregiver or other trusted individual to gain entry to their homes.

According to BSO, the investigation began in October 2025 after detectives received a report that an elderly man was being exploited by an unknown woman at the B’nai B’rith apartments in Deerfield Beach.

Detectives said Sylvain posed as a caregiver and convinced the man to allow her into his apartment. Once inside, she allegedly gained access to his bank card and later made multiple withdrawals totaling $1,600.

Investigators identified Sylvain as the suspect and subsequently uncovered several similar incidents.

BSO said Sylvain allegedly pretended to be a professional caregiver and convinced vulnerable residents that she was authorized to enter their apartments. In some cases, she allegedly told victims she was a new caregiver assigned by their health insurance company.

Once inside, Sylvain allegedly stole debit cards or persuaded victims to provide personal banking information.

A coordinated investigation involving BSO and several Deerfield Beach units eventually led authorities to obtain an arrest warrant for Sylvain. She was arrested and booked into the BSO Main Jail on Dec. 19, 2025.

According to BSO, she faced charges including occupied burglary, exploitation of an elderly person, criminal use of personal identification information, theft of a credit card and grand theft involving a victim 65 or older.

Sylvain was released from jail in May 2026.

Since her release, Deerfield Beach detectives have identified at least two additional cases in which they allege Sylvain used similar tactics to gain the trust of elderly victims.

In one case at The Pointe at Deerfield Beach Senior Living, investigators said Sylvain allegedly posed as the building manager before stealing a debit card, credit cards and cash.

Authorities are urging residents, particularly older adults and their families, to verify the identities, credentials and references of caregivers and aides before allowing them into a home or giving them access to financial information.

BSO also recommends regularly checking bank statements and credit reports for unfamiliar transactions and consulting a trusted friend or family member before providing financial information when a request appears suspicious.

Authorities said suspicious activity should be reported as quickly as possible, as early reporting could help prevent additional losses.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information about Sylvain’s whereabouts, or who believes they or someone they know may have been the victim of a similar scheme, is asked to contact BSO at 954-764-HELP (4357).