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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedAugust 25, 2026Miami-Dade

Miami-Dade men arrested for allegedly locking thermostat and restricting access to appliances for elderly relative

Two Miami-Dade men were arrested and charged with physical or psychological abuse of an elderly person after allegedly locking a home thermostat at 80 degrees during extreme heat and restricting the victim's access to kitchen appliances. The victim, a 76-year-old woman, reported that the suspects monitored her via surveillance cameras and threatened her with eviction from the home she previously owned.

elder abusecriminal justiceMiami-Dade Countypublic safety
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Why It Matters

This case highlights local law enforcement intervention in elder abuse allegations involving s and domestic control, with the suspects currently held in the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.

Key Facts

  • Federico Caso (45) and Peter Sevastopoulos (44) were arrested on charges of physical or psychological abuse of an elderly person.
  • The victim is a 76-year-old woman who previously owned the home where the suspects lived.
  • Suspects allegedly locked the thermostat at 80 degrees and used a remote lock to prevent the victim from adjusting it.
  • The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for Miami-Dade with temperatures reaching 112 degrees.
  • The victim was restricted from using the refrigerator, microwave, stove, or oven, and was limited to a small mini-fridge.
  • The suspects allegedly monitored the victim using surveillance cameras throughout the home.
  • The victim reported being verbally abused and threatened with eviction despite no legal rental contract existing.
  • The Department of Children and Families classified the living conditions as an environmental hazard.
  • The suspects invoked their Miranda rights and declined to be interviewed by investigators.
  • Both suspects remain in custody at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center with bail pending.

Who's Mentioned

locationTurner Guilford Knight Correctional Center“Jail where suspects are being held.”organizationMiami-Dade Sheriff's Office“Law enforcement agency that conducted the investigation and arrests.”organizationDepartment of Children and Families“Described the living conditions as an environmental hazard.”personFederico Caso“Suspect, 45-year-old son of the victim.”organizationNational Weather Service“Issued a heat advisory for Miami-Dade County.”personPeter Sevastopoulos“Suspect, 44-year-old son-in-law of the victim.”