BRANDON, FL — A patient care technician at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital faces charges after stealing and using a patient’s credit cards, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.
Bailey Slater, 28, stole a 94-year-old patient’s wallet on Jan. 22.
She used the victim’s credit cards to rack up more than $500 in purchases that same day, the sheriff’s office said.
The hospital worked closely with detectives to identify Slater and ensure that she was held accountable for the theft, HCSO said.
A warrant was issued for her arrest and she turned herself in to Orient Road Jail on Friday.
Slater was charged with first-degree petit theft ($100 or more, but less than $750), two counts of unauthorized use of a credit card under $300, and two counts of fraudulent use of personal information of an elderly person.
“Taking advantage of some of our most vulnerable community members while entrusted with their care is shameful and reprehensible,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “We will make sure justice is served, and we hope anyone considering this kind of behavior understands they will be held accountable.”