Aide Rips Diamond Ring Off Elderly Woman's Finger, Police Say

A home health aide has been busted for allegedly stealing a diamond ring from her elderly ward  -- and then pawning it for $200, police said.

The aide, identified as Karen Toomey, 45, of Stratford, was charged with second-degree larceny and third-degree assault of an elderly person in connection with the August incident, according to police.

"On August 18, 2011, police received a complaint of a ring being taken from a Falmouth Street residence.

"Investigation revealed that Toomey, who was employed as a home health care worker at the home, removed a diamond ring from the elderly victim's finger causing minor injuries," police said in a press release.

"Toomey allegedly sold the ring to a local pawn shop for $200."

Toomey was released on a promise to appear in court, according to police.