Caretaker Faces Theft Charge After Unauthorized Debit Card Use
Paraleshia Washington, 33, of Gary, is facing criminal misdemeanor charges after investigators allege she used an endangered adult’s debit card without authorization while employed as a caretaker.
According to court documents, police were dispatched on May 6, 2025, to a residence on Sandalwood Court in Union Township after a theft complaint involving a missing debit card. The victim, an endangered adult, resided at the home and received full-time care through Caregiver Inc.
Court records state the victim is blind, profoundly autistic, and developmentally delayed, functioning at an age bracket as young as 7 to 10 years old. Investigators documented that the victim is unable to prepare her own meals, cannot bathe herself, and requires full-time caregiver assistance.
The debit card, which was used for household and care-related expenses, was normally secured inside a lock box that was kept within a secured filing cabinet. Investigators reported that access to the debit card was limited to employees of Caregiver Inc. The card was last accounted for in April 2025 before being reported missing.
Investigators identified unauthorized debit card transactions made at retail stores in Hammond. Court records show a $219.22 purchase at Walmart in Hammond and a $177.55 purchase at Ross in Hammond, both of which were later confirmed as unauthorized.
According to the affidavit, surveillance video from Walmart showed a woman purchasing two pairs of hoop earrings, a crop top shirt, a black fanny pack, a beach towel with a palm tree design, and receiving $100 in cash back during the transaction. Surveillance footage from Ross showed the same woman purchasing a full-sized silver suitcase, along with clothing items and a black bag. Investigators documented that the purchases were not for the care of the victim and were not authorized.
Court records state that caregivers and supervisors familiar with the residence reviewed surveillance footage and identified Washington as the individual using the debit card.
Investigators allege Washington was employed by Caregiver Inc. at the time of the alleged offenses and was in a position of trust and professional relationship with the endangered adult. The case remains pending in Porter County.
Lodged in the Porter County Jail December 19,2025
Charges filed August 13,2025:
• Exploitation of an Endangered Adult – Class A Misdemeanor
• Theft – Class A Misdemeanor
