ICYMI: Ex-Employee Accused Of Stealing From Patient In DeKalb Assisted Living Facility

TUCKER, GA -- The family of a patient in an assisted living facility in DeKalb County put a camera in the 81-year-old's room and allegedly caught an employee stealing cash from the woman, police said. Paulette Smith, who worked at Atria Park in Tucker, has been arrested by Gwinnett County authorities on charges of theft and exploitation of an at-risk adult, police said.

Smith is accused of stealing money from the woman, who is suffering from dementia. (SIGN UP: Get Patch's Daily Newsletter and Real Time News Alerts. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app.)

The case began in July when Gwinnett authorities were alerted by the patient's family about possible theft occurring from the victim's room. The woman's family told authorities that they would leave cash for her to buy things related to activities at the center, but it would come up missing.

The family then decided to put a surveillance camera in the room, which recorded Smith allegedly taking money from the woman's purse, Gwinnett police said.

The Gwinnett County Police Department wants to know if there are any other possible victims related to this case. If so, they are asking people to contact GCPD’s Criminal Investigation Division.

"Our elderly citizens are some of the most vulnerable to crime and exploitation," Gwinnett police spokesman Matthew Williamson said in a news release. "The police department wants to encourage family and friends of at risk citizens to be proactive in ensuring their safety and well-being."

If anyone has any information to share on this case or any similar case, please contact GCPD detectives at 770-513-5300. To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimestoppersatlanta.org.

Image via Gwinnett PD