Gwinnett Widow Exploited By Housekeeper, Husband: Police

BUFORD, GA — A housekeeper and her husband have been arrested for exploiting a 64-year-old widow in Gwinnett County and taking more than a half-million dollars from her, police say.

In November, a Gwinnett County Police Special Victims Unit detective was assigned to investigate the case. The complaint, according to police, had been forwarded to them by the Duluth Police Department, which had been contacted by the victim's bank.

Staff at the bank suspected that Ana Zaharia, 34, and her husband Daniel Zaharia, 41, were financially exploiting the woman, from Buford, and her late husband's estate. The woman's husband was a successful business owner prior to his death, police said.

An audit was conducted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The audit appeared to show that the Zaharias had diverted at least $500,000 from the victim for their own personal use. The exploitation appeared to have been going on for several years, police said.

Police say Ana Zaharia was the victim's housekeeper and that she had arranged for herself, her husband and their children to move into the victim's house.

On July 7, two detectives visited the victim's home in Buford. Once there, they noticed the victim on the floor of her bedroom, having apparently suffered a fall. She was taken to a local hospital to be treated and, once she was on her way, the two suspects were interviewed.

Following those interviews, detectives interviewed the victim at the hospital. On July 13, detectives, along wth Gwinnett Senior Services, returned to the home and Ana and Daniel Zaharia were arrested.

Both are charged with exploitation of an at-risk adult, a racketeer-influenced corrupt organization (RICO) charge, theft by taking and other charges.

The victim refused to be placed in an alternate senior home, despite numerous attempts made by the detectives and the representative from Gwinnett Senior Services. The couple was taken to the Gwinnett County Jail. They have since bonded out.

As a condition of their bond, they may not have any contact with the victim.

"If you have strong suspicions that your friend, neighbor, or family member is being exploited, call your local police department immediately," Gwinnett County Police spokeswoman Cpl. Michele Pihera said. "No senior citizen or disabled adult deserves to be manipulated by those they trust the most. Speak up for them if they can’t."

Photo courtesy Gwinnett County Police Department