‘Shameful and reprehensible’: Hospital worker goes on $500 Target run after stealing 94-year-old patient’s wallet
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 Florida hospital worker allegedly stole from one of her patients, a 94-year-old, to fund a $500 shopping spree.
Bailey Slater, 28, who worked as a patient care technician at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital near Tampa, reportedly took the elderly patient’s wallet on January 22, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. That same day, she allegedly used the victim’s credit card at Target, spending more than $500.
Authorities shared surveillance images showing Slater leaving the store with a cart full of items purchased with the stolen card. Sheriff Chad Chronister called the alleged theft “shameful and reprehensible,” adding, “Taking advantage of some of our most vulnerable community members while entrusted with their care is unacceptable. Justice will be served, and anyone considering this behavior will be held accountable.”
Investigators quickly identified Slater with the help of the hospital. She now faces two counts each of fraudulent use of personal information of an elderly person and unauthorized use of a credit card, as well as one count of petit theft. After an arrest warrant was issued, Slater turned herself in on Friday and posted a $7,500 bond the following day.
HCA Florida Brandon Hospital confirmed Slater has been terminated. A hospital spokesperson told local NBC affiliate WFLA, “When we became aware that a patient’s wallet may have been stolen, our hospital security team notified law enforcement, which launched an investigation. The individual has 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.”
About Post Author
