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Left: Bailey Slater walks out of a Target near Tampa, Florida, after she allegedly stole a hospital patient”s credit card (Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office). Right: Slater’s mug shot (Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office).
A 28-year-old woman, tasked with ensuring hospital patients receive proper care, is facing allegations of theft from a patient nearing 100 years old. Instead of fulfilling her duties, she is accused of committing a crime against the very individuals she was meant to support.
Bailey Slater, employed at a Florida hospital, is accused of stealing a 94-year-old patient’s wallet to fund a $500 shopping spree at Target, authorities report.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office disclosed in a press release that Slater, who served as a patient care technician at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital near Tampa, allegedly took the patient’s wallet on January 22. Later that day, she reportedly used the stolen credit card to make purchases exceeding $500 at Target.
Investigators released a surveillance image showing Slater purportedly exiting the store with a cart loaded with items acquired using the victim’s credit card.
“It is both shameful and reprehensible to exploit some of our community’s most vulnerable individuals while entrusted with their care,” commented Sheriff Chad Chronister. “We are committed to ensuring justice is served and hope to convey a strong message that such behavior will face serious consequences.”
Detectives worked with the hospital and quickly identified Slater as the suspect.
Slater faces two counts each of fraudulent use of personal information of an elderly person and unauthorized use of a credit card and one count of petit theft. After cops issued an arrest warrant, Slater turned herself in to jail on Friday. She posted a $7,500 bond the next day.
A hospital spokesperson said in a statement 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,” a statement read. “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.”