Several residents of an Acworth senior living community recently had their debit and credit cards stolen after a person dressed as an employee entered unlocked rooms, police said.
The suspect, who is not an employee, remains at large, and police said they believe there are more victims.
Officers responded to Celebration Village Acworth on Celebration Boulevard off Cobb Parkway on Dec. 18 regarding suspicious activity on residents’ financial accounts. It was initially suspected that staff members were entering rooms and stealing the cards. Then, police spokesman Cpl. Eric Mistretta said last week that an unidentified woman was allegedly behind the thefts.
On Thursday, police identified the suspect as Markinious Katrell Hartfield, who they clarified “is a male, (who) presents himself as a female.” Hartfield is from New Orleans and has been arrested multiple times for similar incidents outside of Georgia, according to authorities.
“It’s unknown how this person identifies,” Mistretta said.
Hartfield is accused of entering Celebration Village wearing scrubs similar to those worn by staff and could be seen on camera checking doors and entering unlocked rooms, according to Mistretta.
The suspect was later seen on surveillance cameras at a Walmart and using the victims’ cards, Mistretta confirmed.
Hartfield is said to have dark hair and frequently wears a face covering to conceal identity. Mistretta said the suspect drives a white Toyota Corolla with temporary plates.
Warrants have been issued for the arrest of Hartfield, who is facing charges of first-degree burglary, financial transaction card forgery, identity theft fraud, and exploit of disabled or elderly person, police said.
It’s not the first time a crime has occurred at the Celebration Village Acworth.
Former clinical manager Amanda Marie Jamison is accused of stealing 30 liquid morphine syringes in August, an arrest warrant states. She is facing charges of theft by taking and possession of a controlled substance after being arrested in October.
Any residents of assisted living facilities in Acworth experiencing fraudulent activity or who may know the suspect are asked to call police at 770-974-1232.
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