An assisted-living facility employee stole cash from an 81-year-old dementia patient, Gwinnett County police said.

Paulette Smith, 57, of Stone Mountain, has been charged with theft and exploitation of an at-risk adult.

The family of the 81-year-old woman contacted police in July, concerned that money they left for their family member to use on activities at the Atria Park of Tucker assisted-living facility was being stolen. The family had put a surveillance camera in the victim’s room and recorded video of Smith taking money out of the victim’s purse, police said.

Smith was a caretaker at Atria Park of Tucker. She is no longer employed at the facility, police said.

Smith was booked into the Gwinnett County Jail on Tuesday and was released on $5,900 combined bond.

“We take such allegations very seriously and continue to cooperate with legal authorities to the fullest extent,” said Susan Savage, executive director of Atria Park of Tucker, in a statement. “As an ongoing legal matter, we cannot comment in detail except to say our residents’ security and overall well-being remain our top priorities.”

The Gwinnett County Police Department asks any other potential victims or family members of potential victims to contact their criminal investigation division at 770-513-5300. They can also contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477.

Like Gwinnett County News on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter and Instagram

Authorities say Manuel Martinez was shot outside Costas Nayaritas, and they are in the process of going through surveillance video to identify the shooters.

About the Author

Keep Reading

A bicyclist rides on the Beltline by Atlanta’s Krog Street Market on Sept. 16, just before the start of what experts projected would be an unseasonably warm fall. This week’s temperatures are in line with that prediction, as highs are expected to tie or break records. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

Featured

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones — pictured at an August rally in Peachtree City that also featured Vice President JD Vance — appears to have scored another legal victory over gubernatorial rival Attorney General Chris Carr in their battle over campaign finance issues. (Arvin Temkar/AJC 2025)

Credit: Arvin Temkar / AJC