Former Philadelphia Medic Charged With Theft From Deceased Patient
A former Emergency Medical Technician with the Philadelphia Fire Department has been criminally charged after allegedly stealing cash from a woman who had just passed away. Authorities accused Gary Robb, 41, of removing money from the wallet of 72-year-old Nanette Santilli while responding to a medical call at her Center City apartment last October.
According to the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, the incident was captured on a home surveillance system. Prosecutors allege the footage shows Robb taking currency from the deceased woman’s purse shortly after she died of natural causes. Investigation details suggest that Robb was aware of the recording device, reportedly acknowledging the camera’s presence to a colleague before allegedly committing the theft.
District Attorney Larry Krasner characterized the incident as a significant “abuse of a position of trust,” noting that EMTs are taxpayer-funded public servants expected to protect vulnerable citizens. The victim’s family expressed devastation regarding the event, describing it as a violation of the sanctity of their home during a grieving period. The family alleges that during subsequent interactions, the accused appeared to dismiss the gravity of the actions, reportedly referring to the theft as a “victimless crime.”
Robb was arrested in December and faces three misdemeanor charges, including theft and receiving stolen property. He is no longer employed by the Philadelphia Fire Department. While the video evidence has been described as compelling by investigators, Robb retains the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in a court of law. Conviction on these charges could carry a sentence of three to six years in jail.
rnbphilly.com
youtube.com
