Moraima Annette Montano, 54, is back in custody at the Nueces County Jail facing more than 20 criminal charges after a Nueces County Grand Jury handed down multiple indictments in May 2025. The charges relate to alleged financial exploitation of elderly and disabled individuals at unlicensed group homes she operated in Corpus Christi.
According to jail records, Montano was arrested on September 9, 2025, and is being held without bond on the majority of charges. The arrest comes after she was initially taken into custody in December 2024 on similar allegations.
Corpus Christi woman back in custody, faces over 20 charges in alleged elder exploitation scheme
Extensive List of Charges
The charges stem from alleged crimes committed between November 2019 and February 24, 2025 at multiple locations in Corpus Christi. Montano is charged with:
- 5 counts of Exploitation of Child/Elderly/Disabled (Third Degree Felony)
- 10 counts of Credit Card or Debit Card Abuse (State Jail Felony)
- 6 counts of Credit Card or Debit Card Abuse Elderly (State Jail Felony)
- 2 counts of Forgery Financial Instrument (State Jail Felony)
- 1 count of Fraud Use/Possession of Identifying Information
- 1 count of Financial Abuse of Elderly ($30,000-$150,000)
- 1 count of Misapplication of Fiduciary/Financial Property ($30,000-$150,000 Enhanced) (Second Degree Felony)
- 1 count of Operating a Boarding House Without County/Municipal Permit (Class B Misdemeanor)
According to the grand jury indictments and complaint obtained by KRIS 6 News, Montano allegedly exploited five elderly individuals through various schemes involving unauthorized withdrawals from bank accounts, fraudulent use of debit cards, forged checks, and misuse of government stimulus payments.
Corpus Christi woman accused of exploiting two patients at unlicensed group home
Financial Abuse Case (September 2021 – February 2025)The most serious charge alleges Montano misappropriated between $30,000 and $150,000 from five elderly individuals by withdrawing money from their bank accounts without consent. The indictment also alleges she intentionally or knowingly failed to use the victims’ income, money, and assets for necessities required for their support and maintenance.
Debit Card Exploitation (July – September 2024)One victim was allegedly exploited through multiple unauthorized debit card transactions between July 27 and September 24, 2024. According to court documents, Montano withdrew money from the victim’s bank account for her personal benefit and made purchases at restaurants, department stores, and for utility payments…