A Brevard County Florida housekeeper has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies, including aggravated battery, robbery, forgery, fraud, passing a counterfeit instrument, and grand theft, following an alleged altercation with her 83-year-old employer. 

The incident occurred on December 24, 2024, when Heather Nelson, 29, reportedly assaulted the elderly woman after being denied a requested $500 Christmas bonus, Law & Crime reports.

According to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Nelson demanded a $500 bonus for her cleaning services. When the elderly woman explained she couldn’t afford the bonus, Nelson allegedly responded by forcibly taking the victim’s checkbook, nearly breaking her wrist in the process. She then wrote a check for $1,400 to herself and used the victim’s credit card for personal expenses. 

Sheriff Wayne Ivey condemned Nelson’s actions, stating, “To take advantage of our elderly seniors is not what you do.” 

Nelson was arrested on January 7, 2025, and is currently being held on a $30,000 bond. She faces charges including robbery, aggravated battery on a person over the age of 65, grand theft, forgery, uttering a forged instrument, criminal use of personal identification, and fraudulent use of a credit card. 

Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities involving elderly persons.