Police: Nursing home worker stole resident's credit card, went on shopping spree

MAITLAND, Fla. — A Maitland woman is facing charges after being accused of using her job at the Indigo Palms assisted living facility to prey on the elderly.

Police said Terrica Williams broke into a woman's room and stole her credit card. They said she bought clothes, office supplies, two phones and a family cellphone plan.

Williams was still in her work scrubs when she was put behind bars.

A resident's daughter said Indigo Palms was a wonderful place. She said couldn't believe an incident like the theft could occur at the facility that takes care of her father.

"Family members place them in the care of these facilities and the facilities try to hire the best people that they think they have," said Sgt. Louis Grindle of the Maitland Police Department.

The police began their investigation when the person holding the victim's power of attorney noticed $530 worth of charges from stores all over Seminole County on the resident's credit card.

The elderly woman had no idea.

Police matched the purchase times on the bills to surveillance video at a local Walmart and spotted a woman in scrubs, believed to be Williams, using the card.

Authorities said they eventually confronted the worker at the assisted living facility.

They said she tried to run away at first, and then tried to blame the crime on someone else. They said she later confessed.

Maitland police said they don't believe there are any more victims.

WFTV