Cops: Home health aide stole $2,600 in cash from patient

A Central Islip home health aide took more than $2,600 in cash from a Massapequa Park patient, Nassau police said.

Joseph Ortiz, 20, of 4 Coventry Lane, began caring for an elderly 3rd Avenue resident in August as an employee of Community Care of Bohemia, police said. Police said he took more than $1,200 in cash that was reported missing from a bedroom dresser drawer in September. On Oct. 29, it was learned that the man's wallet with $1,400 cash also was missing.

Ortiz is charged with fourth degree grand larceny and petit larceny. He was arraigned Saturday in First District Court in Hempstead.