Caregiver Stole $500K From Deceased Victim’s Accounts, Indicted in Montgomery County

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas — A caregiver accused of stealing more than $500,000 from a deceased resident’s accounts has surrendered to authorities following a grand jury indictment, officials said.

48-year-old Heather Carmichael turned herself in to the Montgomery County Jail on April 9, 2026, after being indicted on a charge of first-degree felony aggregate theft.

The case stems from an investigation launched in August 2025 after the victim’s sister reported suspicious activity following her sibling’s death. According to investigators, the sister was not notified of the death until a week later and discovered the locks on the victim’s residence had been changed and the victim’s vehicle was missing.

Authorities said Carmichael, who served as the victim’s caregiver, carried out a series of actions to gain control of the victim’s estate. Financial records obtained during the investigation showed that four days after the victim’s death, more than $500,000 was transferred from the victim’s bank accounts into Carmichael’s personal accounts.

The investigation was conducted by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division in coordination with the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office.

Carmichael was processed into the Montgomery County Jail, and officials said the case will now proceed through the court system.

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement that they remain dedicated to investigating cases of fraud and elder exploitation to ensure that those who abuse positions of trust are held accountable under the law.