Name: Mabel Pugliese
Nickname/Alias: Unknown
Case Classification: Endangered Missing
Missing Since: July 13, 2008
Location Last Seen: Lakeland, Polk County, Florida
Date of Birth: December 12, 1925
Age: 82 years old
Race: White
Gender: Female
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 150 lbs
Hair Color: Gray, short, wavy
Eye Color: Hazel
Distinguishing Marks/Features: Hip replacement, serial numbers available; early stages of Alzheimer's disease
Dentals: Unknown
Fingerprints: Unknown
DNA: Unknown
Clothing: Unknown
Jewelry: Unknown
Additional Personal Items: Wore glasses
Mabel Pugliese lived with 35-year-old Edward Caldwell, a registered sex offender who ingratiated himself to Mabel by falsely claiming to be her long-lost grandson. He became her live-in caregiver, a beneficiary on her will, and power of attorney.
On July 13, 2008, deputies were dispatched to Mabel's home after a neighbor heard her in the backyard calling out for help. When deputies arrived, Mabel appeared to be confused and accused Caldwell of having wild parties in the home, but there was no sign of such parties. Caldwell told deputies he was worried about being falsely accused because of her "deteriorating mental condition" and was going to move in a few days.
In December 2008, Caldwell was still living at the home and was closing a $147,000 deal to sell it. Family and friends of Mabel hadn't heard from her in months and reported her missing on December 7. Detectives were troubled when Caldwell gave different whereabouts for Mabel, which were found to be untrue.
In 2009, Caldwell was charged with negligent manslaughter, neglect of an elderly person, and grand theft. Mabel has yet to be found.
Agency Name: Polk County Sheriff's Office - Bartow
Agency Contact Person: Det. Chris Lynn
Agency Phone Number: 863-534-6379
Agency E-Mail: N/A
Agency Case Number: 08-227869
NamUs Case Number: 5762
Added: 04/24/2024; Last Updated: 04/24/2024 - By: hb
Questions or comments? Please contact appropriate member of the Area Team
** Listed information is from the time of disappearance.
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