Home health care nurse charged with ripping off elderly patients in Cary, North Carolina

CARY, N.C. (KABC) -- A home health care worker paid to care for two elderly women in Cary, North Carolina, is now accused of ripping them off instead.

Joi Creech Washington, 39, is accused of stealing from the elderly and ill women nearly two years ago. Police say they drew up warrants for her in early 2013, but couldn't find her until this week.

Both women are now dead, but according to arrest warrants Washington stole more than $2,000 from them by using the women's credit. In the case of one woman, police say Washington used her credit Bocard to run up charges that included a Carnival cruise. Investigators say Washington used the other woman's Swiss Colony account to buy personal gifts for her relatives.

Washington faced a judge for the first time at the Wake County Justice Center Tuesday on three charges -- exploiting a disabled elder's trust and two counts of obtaining property by false pretense. She is out of jail on a $30,000 bond.

Cary police say the case should be a reminder to all who have elderly relatives being cared for at their homes -- keep a daily check on their bank and credit accounts to make sure no one is taking advantage of them.