‘Visiting Angel’ Was Anything But: Deputies

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL — When Christine Martinez, 31, stopped by a former patient’s Holiday home on Aug. 14, she allegedly told the woman she was there to “say hello.” The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office says that wasn’t the only reason for the visit.

The certified nursing assistant is accused of stealing $160 from a dresser in the woman’s bedroom while she claimed to be using the bathroom, according to an arrest report.

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Martinez worked as an independent contractor for Visiting Angels, a home healthcare provider, the sheriff’s office explained in an email to media. Martinez once served as the woman’s caregiver, the sheriff’s office said. The woman had ceased using the Visiting Angels service when Martinez stopped by and the alleged theft occurred.

The sheriff’s office was tipped off about the possible theft by the victim, who discovered the money missing from her dresser, the agency’s email noted.

Martinez was brought into custody on Aug. 22. Deputies say she “admitted to the theft” after being read her Miranda rights. She was booked into the Pasco County Jail on a grand theft charge Tuesday.

Detectives are now working with Visiting Angels to “ensure there are no other victims,” the sheriff’s office said.

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Photo courtesy of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office