Warren T. Wells, Theft of a Golden Crucifix Necklace, Pennsylvania 2013

In a shocking case of theft from a vulnerable victim, Warren T. Wells, a 43-year-old man from Moscow, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to two years of probation, including six months of home confinement.

The Crime: On December 13, 2013, Wells, a nurse's aide at the VA Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, stole a golden crucifix necklace from a critically ill patient. The victim, a veteran, had been admitted to the hospital and later died several hours after the theft.

The victim's son had given the crucifix to her as a gift, and it was being worn by her at the time of the theft. Wells has been dismissed from his job as a result of his conduct.

The Charges: Wells previously pleaded guilty to a felony criminal information charging him with theft of a golden crucifix necklace from the VA patient.

The Investigation: The investigation was conducted by the VA Police, and the case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Todd K. Hinkley.

The Sentence: Senior U.S. District Court Judge Edwin M. Kosik sentenced Wells to two years of probation, including six months of home confinement. The sentence reflects the seriousness of the offense and the need for Wells to make amends for his actions.

The theft of a personal item from a vulnerable victim is a serious crime, and Wells' actions are a betrayal of the trust placed in him as a nurse's aide. We hope that this sentence will serve as a deterrent to others who would seek to take advantage of those in need.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdpa/pr/moscow-pennsylvania-man-sentenced-theft-crucifix-va-patient