DELAND, Florida – A DeLand caregiver was arrested and charged with stealing from the 71-year-old man she was supposed to be helping and then trying to extort money from him in return for some of the property, Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said Sunday.

The 71-year-old victm was suffering from heart problems and was undergoing chemotherapy, authorities said. Cynthia Cardenas, 44, was hired by the man to help around the house.

But the job only lasted a week before the victim said he fired Cardenas because her work wasn’t satisfactory. Shortly after that, he noticed some of his property – including about $950 in jewelry and a coffee maker – was missing.