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‘Not a good idea’ – Caregiver steals client’s vehicle keys

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — A 53-year-old caregiver was jailed after deputies said he snatched his client’s purse – knocking her down – and took the keys to her vehicle.

Shayne Michael Giacoboni was the woman’s sole, live-in caregiver, reports show. Deputies said the 72-year-old woman – who had minor injuries – is wheelchair-bound and undergoing treatments for kidney failure.

The woman also has stage-four cancer, reports show.

Shayne Michael Giacoboni
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY INDIAN RIVER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Deputies arrested Giacoboni, of the 300 block of 7th Road Southwest, Vero Beach, on charges of battery on a person over 65 and neglect of elderly. Giacoboni was held Friday at the Indian River County Jail on $10,000 bond.

Indian River County deputies responded to a disturbance about 5 p.m. Wednesday at the woman’s home. The woman said Giacoboni had been her caregiver for the last 20 years, but Giacoboni noted it was only 13 years, reports show.

The woman said Giacoboni had been drinking alcohol earlier that day. When Giacoboni asked to take the woman’s vehicle, she refused.

Giacoboni became upset and tried to grab the woman’s purse from her, reports show. The woman – still holding onto the purse – was pulled out of her wheelchair as Giacoboni tugged on the handbag.

Giacoboni dragged the woman across the floor while pulling at the purse, reports show. The woman grabbed Giacoboni’s genitals so he could release the purse, but it was ineffective, deputies said.

The woman eventually let go of the handbag. Giacoboni removed the woman’s keys and left the home, deputies said.

The woman – who was left on the floor – had to help herself up into the wheelchair, reports show. She called police when Giacoboni returned to the home.

Giacoboni admitted to deputies he took the vehicle, but further details were not released. Giacoboni told deputies, “it was not a good idea and was a poor choice,” reports show.

Giacoboni was ordered to not have any contact with the woman. Giacoboni has an arraignment at 8:45 a.m. Jan. 29, court records show.

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