Actions

‘I trusted you:’ Caregiver charged with stealing from elderly woman

Posted at 11:34 PM, Sep 26, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-27 06:27:52-04

HANOVER COUNTY, Va. -- An in-home care worker has been charged with grand larceny with four victims so far, according to the Hanover Sheriff's Department.

And there may be more.

More victims like the 86-year-old retired teacher who says Tyra Latrice Smith, 29, took some of her most prized possessions.

"Everything was gone,” said the elderly woman wants us to hide her identity, but says she wants everyone to hear why she feels betrayed by Smith, her in-home caregiver.

"I trusted you and loved you. Loved you like you were my own daughter,” she said tearfully. “I treat everyone how I want to be treated and don't tell lies, because I may not remember the story I made up."

Tyra Latrice Smith

Tyra Latrice Smith

She says the lies came to light after she couldn't find her wedding rings or earrings. "There was one pair and I don't wear just one earring," she said.

Deputies say they were able to connect Smith to at least four thefts from two different places.

"Through the course of our investigation, we were able to connect Ms. Smith to the crimes because she was working at the in-home care part-time and another assisted living facility where things were stolen," said Sgt. James Cooper.

The victim tells CBS 6 some of her jewelry has been recovered at local pawn shops.

Deputies believe other victims may be out there.

"That's why we want this information released,” said Cooper. “Some may think there's embarrassment by reporting a crime of this type, but that's not the case.  If you've had Ms. Smith as a caregiver, and things are missing, let us investigate."

Smith has bonded out of Pamunkey Regional Jail.  She is due at Hanover court for an arraignment Tuesday morning.

Anyone with further information about these, or any other incidents, is asked to contact the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office at (804) 365-6140 or the Metro Richmond Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000.

Citizens can also text Crime Stoppers at 274637 (CRIMES), using the keyword “iTip” followed by their tip. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

CBS6-News-at-4pm-and-Jennifer-Hudson-480x360.jpg

Entertainment

Watch 'The Jennifer Hudson Show' weekdays at 3 p.m. on CBS 6!

📱 Download CBS 6 News App
The app features breaking news alerts, live video, weather radar, traffic incidents, closings and delays and more.