The Great Smoky Mountain Journal
Source:
Posted: Tuesday, January 01, 2019 02:35 PM
Maryville Caretaker Charged With Theft After Being Caught On Camera Stealing From 95-Year Old Patient
"Your home is not a safe place anymore," Karen Hart, a homeowner, said, something her family found out the hard way.
95-year-old Ethel and her dog, 'Shotgun Summer,' lived in the home -- defenseless against a thief inside.
The Blount County Sheriff's Office said Linda Russell was hired to care for Ethel, but instead stole about $400 worth of belongings--and it was all caught on security tape.
While the stolen items were returned, the family said Ethel missed something more valuable: her sense of security.
"She trusts the dog more than she trusts people," Hart said. "[She] would rather just be alone all day long with the dog rather than have another person come in and take care of her."
Ethel was once only the Hart's neighbor, but as she aged, she lost both her hearing and sight, so they took her in as family.
"The Bible tells us to take care of the widows," Hart said. Something the family agreed is a value slipping in society. That, along with safety in their own home.
"I am very upset that in today's society, you have to have a security system in your own home," Hart said.
The family said they found Russell through Facebook, and she cared for Ethel for about two weeks before the theft.
The Blount County Sheriff's Office arrested the suspect, and she was charged with theft.
