Theft Charges For Worker at Minnesota Nursing Home

HIBBING, Minn. (AP) - An employee at a nursing home in St. Louis County has been charged with stealing jewelry from residents, including a ring she alleged took from the hand of a woman who was awake.

The suspect is no longer employed at the Guardian Angels Health & Rehabilitation Center.

Terri K. Stephens of Nashwauk was charged last week with theft and financial exploitation. No home telephone listing for the 53-year-old could be found Sunday. It wasn't immediately clear whether she has a lawyer.

Prosecutors say residents at the center reported that gold jewelry had disappeared from their rooms. Police contacted a local pawn shop, which confirmed conducting transactions involving the jewelry.

Guardian Angels spokesman Geoffrey Ryan says staff has been cooperating with authorities.