By Patrick O’Donnell
The Plain Dealer
CLEVELAND — A paramedic for the city was in jail Friday night after being caught on video using credit cards stolen from an 87-year-old patient, according to police.
Charges have not yet been filed against Tiffany Forte, 32, who has worked for the Cleveland Emergency Medical Services the last seven years.
Credit and debit cards were reported as stolen after the woman was taken to Euclid General Hospital on June 3. Forte was one of the paramedics on that call.
A written statement from police said Forte was caught on surveillance wearing an EMS T-shirt and camera using the cards at the Marshall’s and Target stores at Steelyard Commons.
Police say she made over $1,000 in total purchases with the cards.
EMS employees identified her from that footage.
On order of Director of Public Safety Martin Flask, Forte was suspended without pay Friday while the case is resolved. She was arrested Friday afternoon following a three-week investigation by Euclid detectives with help from Cleveland police.Investigators searched her home Friday.
“It is unconscionable for a sworn civil servant to violate the trust of the community,” said EMS Commissioner Edward Eckart."We will continue to take every measure necessary to ensure the integrity of the Division of EMS. However, today’s arrest does not reflect on the dedicated and loyal service that the men and women of the Division of EMS provide everyday to the citizens of the city of Cleveland.”