Woman undergoing emergency surgery had debit card stolen by hospital worker, police say

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona — A hospital worker in Scottsdale is accused of stealing an elderly patient’s debit card and using it to make purchases while the woman was recovering from emergency surgery.

According to court documents, 50-year-old Tammy Watts worked as a housekeeper at HonorHealth Thompson Peak Medical Center when the alleged theft occurred in September.

Police say the victim, who has not been identified, was admitted for emergency surgery and handed her personal belongings to hospital staff before the procedure. Three days later, when she was discharged, she discovered her debit card was missing and that several unauthorized charges had been made.

Watts used the stolen card at convenience stores in Mesa, Gilbert and Chandler, spending about $381, according to court documents.

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