Her job was to care for hospital patients — but authorities say a Florida woman instead preyed on one of the most vulnerable people under her watch.
Bailey Slater, 28, is accused of stealing the wallet of a 94-year-old hospital patient and then using the victim’s credit card to fund a $500-plus shopping spree at Target, according to investigators.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said Slater worked as a patient care technician at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital near Tampa. On Jan. 22, she allegedly took the elderly patient’s wallet and headed straight to Target, where she spent more than $500 the same day.
Authorities released surveillance images that appear to show Slater leaving the store with a cart full of merchandise purchased using the victim’s credit card.
“Taking advantage of some of our most vulnerable community members while entrusted with their care is shameful and reprehensible,” Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. “We will make sure justice is served, and we hope anyone considering this kind of behavior understands they will be held accountable.”
Detectives said they worked closely with hospital officials and quickly identified 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.
After an arrest warrant was issued, Slater turned herself in on Friday and was later released after posting a $7,500 bond.
A spokesperson for the hospital confirmed to local NBC affiliate WFLA that Slater has been fired.
“When HCA Florida Brandon Hospital became aware that a patient’s wallet may have been stolen, our hospital security team alerted law enforcement, which initiated an investigation,” the hospital said in a statement. “The individual has since been arrested and is no longer employed by the hospital. The safety, trust, and well-being of our patients and team remain our top priority.”