Ann's Choice Staffer Stole $60,000 in Jewelry, Cash from Residents, Police Say

A Philadelphia man faces 15 criminal charges of criminal trespass, theft and receiving stolen property after police say he stole about $60,000 worth of cash and jewelry from Ann's Choice residents between April and October 2013.

Police say William Ragen, 31, of Benner Street, Philadelphia, used his position as an aide at the retirement community to access the residents' homes and take the items.

The first incident was reported on May 3 when a resident noticed that she was missing one gold bracelet with sapphires and diamonds (valued at $3,500), one Omega 14 karat gold necklace ($700), one 14 karat gold rope chain ($650), one 14 karat gold charm ($300) and one 14 karat gold chain ($500).

Over the next several months, Ann's Choice residents filed four more reports of stolen items. While investigating two theft reports on Oct. 17, one victim told police that during a Saturday in June, Ragen brought him some food, then asked to use the bathroom, according to the affidavit.

The report says that Ragen entered the bathroom from the hallway door, then exited from the bedroom door. When Ragen left, the resident checked his bureau, where he kept two envelopes of cash for trips to Atlantic City, according to the criminal complaint.

He told police that before Ragen arrived, he had six $100 bills in one envelope and five $20 bills in the other. After Ragen left, only two $100 bills and one $20 bill remained, police said.

Officers confirmed with administrative staff that Ragen had accessed four of the five victims' homes. The staff also confirmed that an aide could enter a resident's home without management being aware.

Ragen has been released from Bucks County prison on 10 percent of $150,000 bail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 9 before District Judge Daniel Finello.