KISSIMMEE, Fla. — A couple in Central Florida faces felony charges after authorities uncovered a lengthy scheme involving unlicensed care homes that exploited vulnerable adults over several years.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that Ronald Keith Pack, 60, and Marie Carenan, 56, are accused of operating eight homes where elderly and disabled residents faced abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation.
Florida will not stand by while predators pose as caregivers and prey on the elderly and disabled.
— Attorney General James Uthmeier (@AGJamesUthmeier) June 25, 2026
These defendants are accused of turning homes into prisons, stealing benefits, denying food and medicine, and subjecting victims to shocking conditions. I thank the members of the… pic.twitter.com/u3XHDafJEV
Obtained by Channel 9, an Osceola County arrest-warrant affidavit paints a sweeping picture of alleged abuse, neglect, and unlicensed assisted-living operations tied to multiple Central Florida properties.
The document says investigators found vulnerable adults living in conditions that included locked exits, controlled access to food and medication, and residents who allegedly went without needed care.
Over 300 service calls and complaints linked to Osceola County properties reveal a network operating under Cherish Home Care and Cherish Independent Living. Investigators allege these homes were presented as independent living but actually provided services requiring assisted-living licensure under Florida law.
Each property is part of a larger pattern, not isolated complaints. Investigators say the same owners, business names, staff, or practices appeared across homes, indicating an organized operation managing multiple residences with similar issues.
Pack and Carenan face seven felony counts, including fraud, exploitation, abuse, neglect, and public assistance fraud. Conviction could mean up to 105 years in prison.
The case is still under investigation, and Channel 9 will continue to provide updates as new information emerges.
Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
©2026 Cox Media Group
