A Florida man, 56-year-old Thomas Frazzetto, has been arrested after allegedly stealing thousands of dollars from his deceased mother’s estate. Frazzetto faces serious charges, including grand theft and uttering forged instruments, following a detailed investigation led by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
The Investigation Unfolds
The investigation into Frazzetto began in December 2024, two months after his mother passed away. Law enforcement was alerted to his attempt to cash an unauthorized check worth $51,200, leading them to dig deeper into his financial activities.
Authorities later discovered that Frazzetto had forged his late mother’s signature not just on the suspicious check, but also on three others that he managed to successfully cash shortly after her death.
Frazzetto’s Unauthorized Transactions
Detectives also uncovered several unauthorized transactions made by Frazzetto, totaling over $9,000. Among these was a suspicious $2,000 transfer via Zelle that occurred the day before his mother’s passing. Authorities found that his mother was likely incapacitated at that time, making it impossible for her to authorize such a transaction.
The investigation also revealed that Frazzetto had made two withdrawals of $600 from his mother’s bank account. When questioned, Frazzetto allegedly denied involvement, but surveillance footage showed him making those withdrawals.
The Arrest and Charges
After months of investigation, a warrant for Frazzetto’s arrest was issued earlier this month. He was arrested on June 18, 2025, and is currently being held at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility with a $10,000 bond.
Frazzetto faces charges of grand theft (for stealing between $5,000 and $10,000) and uttering forged instruments, both serious crimes under Florida law.
Sheriff’s Statement
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly expressed his disgust over the crime, saying, “Stealing from a deceased family member is not only disgraceful, but it’s also criminal.” He praised the detectives for their thorough work in ensuring that Frazzetto would face justice for his actions.
Fraudulent activities like these are a reminder of the importance of safeguarding a loved one’s estate after their passing. Stealing from a deceased relative is not only morally wrong but also illegal. This case highlights how careful families must be when handling financial matters after a loved one’s death.
