A Florida hospital worker entrusted with caring for patients is accused of doing the opposite—stealing from one of the most vulnerable people under her watch.
Bailey Slater, 28, is accused of taking the wallet of a 94-year-old patient while working as a patient care technician at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators say the theft happened on Jan. 22 and was followed by a shopping trip to Target later that same day.
Authorities allege Slater used the elderly patient’s credit card to spend more than $500. Surveillance images released by deputies show Slater allegedly leaving the store with a cart full of items purchased with the victim’s card.
“Taking advantage of some of our most vulnerable community members while entrusted with their care is shameful and reprehensible,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. He added that investigators moved quickly to ensure accountability and warned that similar behavior would not be tolerated.
Detectives worked with hospital officials to identify Slater as the suspect. She now faces two counts of fraudulent use of personal information of an elderly person, two counts of unauthorized use of a credit card, and one count of petit theft, according to authorities.
After an arrest warrant was issued, Slater turned herself in to jail on Friday and posted a $7,500 bond the following day. The hospital confirmed she has been fired.
In a statement to local NBC affiliate WFLA, a hospital spokesperson said staff immediately contacted law enforcement once the theft was discovered. “The safety, trust and well-being of our patients and team remain our top priority,” the hospital said, adding that Slater is no longer employed there.
