MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) — An Ocala accountant has been arrested after Marion County Sheriff’s Office investigators said she defrauded a local business out of more than $100,000 and exploited an elderly client suffering from cognitive decline.
Cara Lee Priess, 55, was arrested Tuesday, April 5, 2026, by the Ocala Police Department on a Marion County warrant charging her with organized fraud to obtain $50,000 or more and grand theft of $100,000 or more. While in custody, Priess was also charged with exploitation of the elderly, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators said the case began May 14, 2024, when the owner of GoldMark Farm contacted MCSO regarding suspicious financial activity involving Priess, who operated Priess King & Company.
According to investigators, Priess had been hired in July 2023 to manage bills and tax compliance for the farm in exchange for a monthly retainer. The owner later discovered additional large payments had been made to Priess for accounting “deep dives” dating from 2018 through 2022 that had never been requested.
Investigators said invoices claimed 688 hours of work totaling $189,200. A review of bank records also allegedly showed Priess received funds from the business that were never properly recorded in the accounting system.
In a separate investigation launched March 17, 2025, detectives said an 89-year-old individual reported being defrauded by Priess while Priess worked as the complainant’s accountant.
According to investigators, Priess allegedly drafted checks from the complainant’s account and forged the complainant’s signature. Detectives said the alleged victim, who was experiencing cognitive decline, told investigators she trusted Priess and would pay whatever she was told to pay.
Financial records allegedly showed approximately $13,500 in fraudulent checks were deposited into Priess’ bank account.
Investigators said Priess claimed she had documentation that would justify the transactions in both cases, but later stopped communicating with law enforcement after being given time to provide records.
Following the investigation, MCSO obtained an arrest warrant for Priess on April 16, 2026. Priess was arrested by OPD and transported to the Marion County Jail, where she remained without bond as of Thursday.
Investigators believe there could be additional victims due to Priess’ employment as an accountant and the alleged pattern of fraud. Anyone with information is asked to contact MCSO at 352-732-9111.
