Health care worker accused of theft from elderly patient

A Wayne County health care worker was arrested Thursday on charges that she stole thousands of dollars in property from a 79-year-old patient.

Angela Darden Ward, 46, of 606 Western Wayne Drive in Pikeville, was charged with one count each of felony exploitation of an elder person and felony obtaining property by false pretense.

Investigators said Ward was hired to care for the female victim at her home and that the patient reported more than $21,000 worth of property missing.

Ward was in the Wayne County jail Thursday under a $4,000 secured bond.