Cops: Gwinnett assisted-living worker stole cash from dementia patient

An assisted-living facility employee stole cash from an 81-year-old dementia patient, Gwinnett County police said.

Paulette Smith, 57, of Stone Mountain, has been charged with theft and exploitation of an at-risk adult.

The family of the 81-year-old woman contacted police in July, concerned that money they left for their family member to use on activities at the Atria Park of Tucker assisted-living facility was being stolen. The family had put a surveillance camera in the victim’s room and recorded video of Smith taking money out of the victim’s purse, police said.

Smith was a caretaker at Atria Park of Tucker. She is no longer employed at the facility, police said.

Smith was booked into the Gwinnett County Jail on Tuesday and was released on $5,900 combined bond.

“We take such allegations very seriously and continue to cooperate with legal authorities to the fullest extent,” said Susan Savage, executive director of Atria Park of Tucker, in a statement. “As an ongoing legal matter, we cannot comment in detail except to say our residents’ security and overall well-being remain our top priorities.”

The Gwinnett County Police Department asks any other potential victims or family members of potential victims to contact their criminal investigation division at 770-513-5300. They can also contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477.