Kissimmee city commissioner charged with living in dead woman's home

Commissioner, boyfriend charged with grand theft, fraud charges

A Kissimmee city commissioner and her boyfriend are facing fraud charges.

Investigators say Sara Shaw and Peter Sendtko moved into Carol Woosley's home illegally after her death.

Woosley died in 2011.

In court documents, Shaw told investigators she and Sendtko knew Woosley and would make visits to her home before she died.

Last August, a Kissimmee police officer requested the Florida Department of Law Enforcement start an investigation into Commissioner Shaw and her boyfriend.

The FDLE reports the two were living in the home and living off of Woosley's money to pay for the utilities, cable, internet, alarm system and newspaper subscription.

The money was automatically deducted from Woosley's bank account.

According to the report, because Woosley's name was spelled incorrectly on her death certificate, companies continued the automatic deductions. 

"I think it's a bit of an embarrassment and it's very irritating simply for no other reason that we've all worked very, very hard to enhance and improve the reputation of this community," said Kissimmee Mayor Jim Swan.

Swan said he's more disappointed than angry.

Shaw was elected commissioner in November 2014. This is her first term.

Shaw was interviewed by special agents last November. She told investigators Sendtko took care of the bills and didn't know anything.

She also said he was working to take ownership of the home.

Sendtko filed adverse possession paperwork in 2014.

Court documents also show Sendtko sold Woosley's car to his mother.

Recent property records show Woosley's children own the home. Investigators spoke with her son, who says he doesn't know Shaw or Sendtko.

News 6 tried calling Shaw for a comment, but reached her voicemail.

Shaw and Sendtko's arraignment is scheduled for Oct. 25.


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