A hospital employee in Florida has found herself in legal trouble after allegedly stealing from a 94-year-old patient. Bailey Slater, aged 28, is facing serious charges following accusations that she took a patient’s wallet and subsequently used their credit cards for a lavish shopping spree, reportedly spending over $500 in a single day.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office revealed that Slater, who worked as a patient care technician at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital, committed these acts on January 22. A surveillance image released by the sheriff’s office purportedly shows Slater, disguised with a mask, pushing a shopping cart brimming with bags from a Target store.
According to reports, the hospital recognized the suspected theft and took swift action by notifying law enforcement. They collaborated with detectives to construct a case against Slater, leading to her arrest.
“Taking advantage of some of our most vulnerable community members while entrusted with their care is shameful and reprehensible,” Sheriff Chad Chronister expressed. “We will make sure justice is served, and we hope anyone considering this kind of behavior understands they will be held accountable.”
Slater is facing several charges, including first-degree petit theft, two counts related to the unauthorized use of a credit card, as well as two counts of fraudulent use of personal information belonging to an elderly person. After a warrant was issued for her arrest, Slater reportedly turned herself in at the Orient Road Jail.
This incident is just one in a series of recent cases highlighting fraudulent activities targeting vulnerable individuals. The investigation into Slater’s alleged actions remains active, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.