TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Hospital Hardens Security After Credit Card Thefts

ADVERTISEMENT

By KATIE CORONADO and VALERIE KALFRIN

News Channel 8 The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 3, 2008

TAMPA - Memorial Hospital has enacted new safety measures after two women stole credit cards from two patients and a visitor in September then went on a shopping spree, authorities said.

Tampa police arrested Monique Little, 45, of Tampa, Thursday in connection with the thefts, charging her with felony grand theft and fraudulent use of a credit card. Little was booked into Orient Road Jail on Thursday.

Police say they are investigating how Little obtained the credit cards and are searching for a woman seen with Little on store security video from a Brandon Shoe Carnival and T.J.Maxx. Police released the video Wednesday, which generated tips leading to Little's arrest, police spokeswoman Andrea Davis said.

Meanwhile, the hospital is adding security personnel and installing 15 more surveillance cameras, spokeswoman Monica Clark said. The hospital, at 2901 W. Swann Ave., also has posted at every nurse station pictures from the store security video.

"Everyone has to have a badge, and we are questioning anyone we don't know," Clark said.

In the store security video, Little wears blue hospital scrubs, but police have no evidence that she works at the hospital, Davis said.

State Department of Corrections records show Little is on probation until 2019 for charges including felony grand theft and unlicensed practice of health care.

Reporter Katie Coronado can be reached at (813) 259-7197 or kcoronado@wfla.com. Reporter Valerie Kalfrin can be reached at vkalfrin@tampatrib.com or (813) 259-7800.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT