Hospital employee in Miami arrested for stealing expensive item from a patient: Here’s how the events unfolded

An employee of the Keralty Hospital in Miami, identified as Yudier Sánchez, has been arrested nearly ten months after being accused of stealing a Rolex watch valued at $45,000 that belonged to an elderly patient.

The events took place on September 29, 2024, when the patient, then 75 years old, was admitted to Keralty Hospital, located at 2500 Southwest 75th Avenue, in Miami.

As part of the center's protocol, all of your belongings, including jewelry and a gold Rolex Presidential watch, were inventoried and placed in a yellow envelope for safekeeping.

On October 7, 2024, when the elderly woman was discharged, her daughter noticed that the watch was no longer among the belongings returned.

"The loss was devastating, not only financially but also emotionally," he stated to NBC6.

He added that the Rolex had been a gift from his deceased father and that it held an irreplaceable value for the family.

Following the complaint, the hospital launched an internal investigation and identified irregularities.

However, it was not until August 16, 2025, that the alleged perpetrator, identified as Yudier Sánchez, 46 years old, was arrested and formally charged with second-degree grand theft and exploitation of an elderly or disabled person, according to court documents.

Cameras captured the moment of the robbery

The internal investigation included reviewing surveillance footage showing Sánchez entering a hospital room, handling the envelope containing the jewelry, and pretending to return it while hiding the watch in his jacket pocket. He is also seen leaving the room with two other pieces of jewelry in his hand.

“The accused took the victim's watch and placed it in his pocket,” states the arrest form cited by Local 10.

Despite the evidence, Sánchez denied having taken the watch.

In his appearance before the judge -assisted by an interpreter- he declared himself innocent, and claimed that he never had direct contact with the patient, an argument that his defense used to attempt to refute the charge of exploitation.

Nevertheless, the judge dismissed the request for bail reduction, emphasizing that the watch was never recovered.

Sánchez was released on a $10,000 bond but is still facing criminal charges.

Hospital response and potential lawsuit

After confirming his involvement, Keralty Hospital dismissed Sánchez for violating institutional policies. Although the media has attempted to obtain statements from the institution, no official comments have been issued so far.

The victim's daughter informed Telemundo 51 that the family is considering suing the hospital, as they believe there was serious negligence in handling their mother's belongings.

“The watch had great sentimental value”, he concluded.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Theft at Keralty Hospital in Miami