CEDARWOOD, GA — A nursing home employee was arrested Wednesday after allegedly robbing an elderly patient at the facility where she worked.
Authorities say Malisha Moore, 28, a caregiver at Cedarwood Senior Living, gave the patient extra doses of sleeping medication before taking several valuable items from his room, including a Rolex watch, a wallet containing $500 in cash, and debit and credit cards.
The theft was discovered when staff noticed the patient missing personal belongings and alerted management. Surveillance footage reportedly captured Moore entering the patient’s room under the pretense of performing routine care.
Cedarwood Police Department launched an immediate investigation, tracing suspicious transactions on the stolen cards. Moore was apprehended later the same day and taken into custody. She is facing charges of elder abuse, theft, and fraud.
“The safety and trust of our residents is our top priority,” said Officer James Callahan of the Cedarwood Police Department. “We will thoroughly investigate any violation of that trust and hold individuals accountable.”
The nursing home administration stated that they are reviewing staff procedures and security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. They also emphasized that Moore has been terminated from her position and that all residents are being closely monitored.
Legal experts note that crimes involving elderly or vulnerable victims are treated seriously by the courts, and Moore could face significant penalties if convicted.
The Cedarwood Police Department is urging anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward.
