A former Philadelphia Fire Department medic, Gary Robb, age 41, faces theft charges for allegedly stealing from a dead person's wallet following a call on October 16. A home surveillance camera recorded Robb removing money from the victim's wallet and putting it into his jacket pocket while supposedly responding to an unresponsive individual in Center City, according to 6ABC.
District Attorney Larry Krasner described the act as "an egregious misuse of power." Acknowledging the gravity of the situation and the trust placed in public servants like the men and women in the Philadelphia Fire Department, Krasner stated that such an incident should not tarnish their collective integrity. In a statement obtained by NBC Philadelphia, Krasner promised aggressive pursuit of facts for accountability and justice.
Robb's charges include theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, and official oppression. NBC Philadelphia also reported that the Philadelphia Fire Department had suspended him with the intent to dismiss. The victim, identified as Nanette Santilli, was pronounced dead at her apartment on Lombard Street, with approximately $200 missing from her wallet – a sum reportedly given to her by her sister prior to her death. The instance of theft was later discovered by Santilli's sister who provided police with surveillance footage of the incident.
According to a FOX 29 interview, Santilli’s nephew, Vincent Giorgio, expressed how the theft compounded his family’s trauma, calling it a betrayal of trust. Robb, when approached by the family in court, allegedly dismissed the crime as victimless. As of current, Robb does not have a lawyer and has not given any statement to FOX 29's attempts to contact him at his Philadelphia home for comments.
If convicted, Robb could face three to six years in jail. Krasner remarked on the severity of the allegations, emphasizing the abuse of trust inherent in Robb’s position. While a conviction would not automatically prevent Robb from future first responder work, the District Attorney expressed hope that public agencies would be diligent before considering any of his future employment applications. Robb's next court date is scheduled for February 5. At the time of reporting, court records have yet to list an attorney representing him.
