Cosmetic Surgery Credit Card Fraud Leads to Newberry Woman’s Arrest

GAINESVILLE – A Newberry woman was arrested Monday after authorities say she fraudulently opened a credit card in her elderly aunt’s name and used it to pay for a cosmetic surgery and other personal expenses, leaving more than $7,000 in unpaid debt.

Chartel T. Cara Parker, 35, is charged with exploitation of an elderly person, identity theft of a person over 60, and fraudulent use of a credit card, according to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation began in October 2024 when an Alachua County detective received a report from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. A relative with power of attorney for the 74-year-old victim had reported receiving calls from debt collectors about an outstanding balance on a credit card the family had not known existed.

According to the arrest report, the card was issued in the victim’s name in 2019, with Parker listed as a secondary cardholder. The relative, who had handled the victim’s financial affairs since 2018 due to the victim’s dementia and Alzheimer’s diagnosis, told investigators she first became aware of the card in 2022 after receiving a credit alert.

Detectives said six unauthorized transactions were made in 2020, including $5,500 to a doctor in Miami for a “tummy tuck,” $1,800 for post-surgical care, $160 to a plastic surgery practice in Atlanta, $550 for an eye exam and glasses in Gainesville, and $600 to a health and laser center also in Gainesville.

Only $432 in payments were made toward the card, according to the sheriff’s office. The remaining $7,200 debt was sold to a collection agency, which listed the debt solely under the victim’s name. The unpaid balance significantly damaged the victim’s credit score, authorities said.

A sworn complaint was filed against Parker in February 2025, and a warrant for her arrest was issued by Judge James Colaw the following month with bail set at $85,000. Parker was arrested Monday. She has no prior criminal history.

Bail was set at $45,000 by Judge Kristine Van Vorst.

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