Phony Doctor Arrested for Stealing Credit Cards

By Daniel  Miranda
on Thursday, January 31st, 2013 at 12:58 pm

She stole from Hospitals throughout Northern California

SANTA CRUZ—While we have all heard stories of phony doctors who wanted to help people in their time of need, one phony doctor used her white lab coat to steal from hospital employees.  The Fairfield Police Department has arrested 49-year-old Yolanda Smith of Oakland on burglary charges.

On Jan 2, Smith gained access to a secured area of the Dominican Hospital by wearing a white lad coat an impersonating a doctor.  While in the area she stole numerous credit cards from employees’ purses and wallets that were left in the secured lunch area.

Before the nurses discovered that the cards were stolen, Smith had left the Santa Cruz Dominican Hospital and used the stolen credit cards at a gas station, Best Buy and a Target store, charging over $4,500.00.

“Smith entered the hospital wearing a white lab coat and stethoscope around her neck and gained access to a secured area,” Santa Cruz Sheriff Deputy April Skalland said. “ After she left the hospital she used a card at the Best Buy on 41^st Avenue, which was about five miles away, and then a Target store in Capitola.”

Santa Cruz Sheriff’s investigators have determined that Smith has burglarized numerous hospitals throughout Northern California.  Hospitals in Daly City, Tracy, Modesto, Gilroy. Walnut Creek, Fairfield and Santa Cruz County have all reported similar crimes of someone gaining access to secured area wearing a white lab coat and impersonating a doctor.

On Jan 22, an alert security guard noticed Smith in a secured area of a Fairfield hospital and promptly notified the authorities. She was taken into custody by the Fairfield Police Department.

Smith faces charges in Santa Cruz County of identity theft, burglary and fraudulent use of a credit card.  It is unknown if Smith will face more charges as other jurisdictions finish their investigation on her.

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information to call the Investigation Unit at 831-454-2311.

Read More:

Santa Cruz Patch: Phony Doctor Arrested for Hospital Theft Scam

Fairfield Reporter: Suspect Yolanda Smith Posed as Doctor

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This story is filed under Santa Cruz.

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Site last updated June 19, 2013 @ 10:16 am; This content last updated January 31, 2013 @ 12:58 pm

Site last updated June 19, 2013 @ 10:16 am; This content last updated January 31, 2013 @ 12:58 pm