The Williamsburg-James City County Courthouse
A former BAYADA Home Health Care worker pleaded guilty Friday to stealing thousands of dollars of jewelry and silverware from homes in James City County where she worked.
The James City County Police Department arrested 33-year-old Newport News resident Gloria Walters on Sept. 24 after she confessed the thefts to investigators. Stephanie Williams-Ortery of the James City County Police Department said in September Walters allegedly stole more than $6,000 in jewelry from one home and a silverware set valued at more than $15,000 from another home.
Williamsburg-James City County Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael Gaten said Friday that Walters sold the stolen items at pawn shops, netting more than $200 for the jewelry. He said the thefts occurred on six occasions in 2013.
Walters pleaded guilty to two felony counts of grand larceny. She had been facing eight counts, but six were dropped at her November preliminary hearing in Williamsburg-James City County District Court.
Following her arrest, BAYADA Home Health Care issued a statement.
“We were shocked and saddened to hear that one of our home health aides, Gloria Walters, has confessed to stealing from two of our clients. The comfort, safety, and well-being of our clients is our highest priority,” said David Totaro, chief marketing officer for BAYADA. “BAYADA performs stringent hiring and background checks on all employees, and there was nothing in Ms. Walter’s background that disqualified her for hire. Upon us hearing of the charges, she was removed from her cases and she has been terminated from BAYADA. We continue to cooperate with the investigation.”
She will be sentenced March 21.
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