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Law enforcement arrested two Miami-Dade residents Monday in connection with allegations they restricted a 76-year-old relative’s access to air conditioning while temperatures soared to 112 degrees during the previous Friday. Federico Caso, 45, and Peter Sevastopoulos, 44—identified as the victim’s son and son-in-law respectively—were taken into custody following an investigation by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.
According to the arrest report, the defendants shared a residence with the woman and allegedly installed a remote lock on the thermostat, deliberately maintaining indoor temperatures at 80 degrees. The victim claimed the men would set this temperature before departing for work each day, leaving her unable to adjust the controls during a period when a National Weather Service heat advisory was active for Miami-Dade County, with peak dangerous conditions between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Investigators documented additional restrictions placed on the elderly woman, including prohibitions against using standard kitchen appliances and limiting her to a mini refrigerator and bedroom closet storage. She reported being monitored through surveillance cameras throughout the home and claimed she faced verbal intimidation, profanity, and threats of eviction if she failed to pay rent—despite the home having previously belonged to her and no legal lease existing.
The woman indicated she possessed no vehicle and remained homebound most days, rendering her particularly vulnerable to the dangerous conditions. The Department of Children and Families classified the living arrangement as an “environmental hazard,” according to police documentation.
Both suspects invoked their right to legal counsel before arrest and declined police interviews. Each now faces one count of physical or psychological abuse of an elderly or disabled adult. As of Tuesday morning, both remained incarcerated at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center with bonds pending determination.
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