Woman admits to stealing $60,000 in robotic arms

Angela Kearse faces up to 15 years in prison for the theft from St. Vincent's Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A 58-year-old woman named Angela Kearse has admitted to stealing approximately $60,000 worth of medical robotic arms from St. Vincent's Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida, where she previously worked as a surgical assistant. Kearse allegedly used her badge to access the hospital's Southside location on holidays and weekends when there were fewer people around, and was caught on surveillance video leaving with multiple duffel bags and cardboard boxes filled with the stolen equipment.

Why it matters

The theft of highly specialized and expensive medical equipment like robotic arms is a serious crime that can impact a hospital's ability to provide critical care. This case highlights the need for robust security measures and inventory controls at healthcare facilities to prevent such thefts from occurring.

The details

According to court documents, Kearse worked as a surgical assistant at St. Vincent's Hospital in 2024. Over several months, hospital staff noticed that surgical robotic arms were missing from the Southside location. Surveillance footage and badge entrance logs showed that Kearse had accessed the Southside facility on December 25 and left with multiple bags and boxes containing the stolen equipment. Kearse has admitted to the theft and mentioned having an accomplice, though no other arrests have been made.

  • On January 29, Kearse admitted to stealing the medical robotic arms.
  • In 2024, Kearse worked as a surgical assistant at St. Vincent's Hospital.
  • On December 24, a picture documented the inventory, which looked different two days later on December 26.
  • On December 25, surveillance footage showed Kearse leaving the Southside location with multiple bags and boxes containing the stolen equipment.

The players

Angela Kearse

A 58-year-old woman who previously worked as a surgical assistant at St. Vincent's Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida, and has admitted to stealing approximately $60,000 worth of medical robotic arms from the hospital.

St. Vincent's Hospital

A healthcare facility in Jacksonville, Florida, where the theft of medical robotic arms occurred.

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What’s next

Kearse is scheduled for sentencing on March 5 and faces up to 15 years behind bars.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of robust security measures and inventory controls at healthcare facilities to prevent the theft of specialized and expensive medical equipment, which can significantly impact a hospital's ability to provide critical care.