DEERFIELD BEACH BSO SWAT STANDOFF LEADS TO ARREST

A suspect accused of repeatedly preying on elderly victims is behind bars after an intensive investigation ended in a hours-long standoff and her arrest.

On Monday evening, Sept. 14, the Broward Sheriff’s Office Burglary Apprehension Team (BAT) conducted surveillance on Jamisha Shamari Sylvain, the suspect previously arrested for targeting elderly victims.

During the investigation, Sylvain and a second individual entered an apartment in the 5200 block of Northeast Fifth Terrace in Deerfield Beach and refused to exit. Deerfield Beach District deputies, SWAT and crisis negotiators responded. Negotiators were able to establish a rapport with Sylvain and convince the pair to cooperate and safely exit the residence.

The investigation into Sylvain began in October 2025, when BSO detectives received a report that an elderly man was being exploited by an unknown female. The woman posed as a caregiver at the B’nai B’rith apartments in Deerfield Beach. According to detectives, the elderly male victim let her into his apartment where the woman accessed his bank card. She withdrew money from his account multiple times totaling $1,600. Through investigative means, detectives identified the suspect as 26-year-old Jamisha Shamari Sylvain.

During the investigation, detectives learned that several other similar incidents occurred where Sylvain pretended to be a professional caregiver and convinced the vulnerable victims that she was authorized to enter their apartments. In some cases, she pretended to be a new caregiver assigned by the victim’s health insurance company. While inside their apartments, she stole their debit cards and told them she needed their personal banking information.

Through a coordinated effort between the Broward Sheriff’s Office Deerfield Beach District Criminal Investigations Unit, Deerfield Beach District Crime Suppression Team and Deerfield Beach District Operational & Tactical Intelligence Center, investigators were able to secure an arrest warrant for Sylvain. On Friday, Dec.19, 2025 she was located and booked into the BSO Main Jail on charges that include occupied burglary, elderly exploitation, criminal use of personal identification information, theft of credit card and grand theft 65 or older.

After she was released from jail in May 2026, BSO Deerfield Beach detectives identified at least two new cases involving Sylvain using a similar ruse as before, falsely identifying herself to gain the trust of elderly victims. This time, Sylvain found a victim at The Pointe at Deerfield Beach Senior Living. She pretended to be the building manager and stole a debit card, credit cards and cash. Detectives say she also removed her electronic monitoring device.

Please read and follow the tips below to help protect you and your loved ones from falling victim to this scam:

• Verify caregiver and aides: Always confirm identity, credential and references before allowing anyone access to your home or finances.

• Regularly monitor financial accounts: Review bank statements and credit reports for unfamiliar changes.

• Involve a trusted friend or family member: Before giving out financial information, ask a friend or family member if the request or situation seems suspicious.

• Report it early: The sooner suspicious activity is reported, the more likely losses can be stopped.

The investigation into these incidents is active and ongoing. If you live in a BSO jurisdiction and believe you or someone you know are a victim of a similar scam, call BSO’s non-emergency number at 954-764-HELP (4357).