$14 Million in Robotic Arms Stolen from Jacksonville Hospital, Second Arrest Made

A multi-year theft scheme at St. Vincent's Hospital in Jacksonville has resulted in an estimated $14.25M in missing surgical robotic arms. A second suspect, Michael Roberson, was arrested last week.

Second Arrest in Multi-Year Robotic Arm Theft Scheme at St. Vincent's Hospital

News4JAX reports that the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is investigating a theft scheme spanning multiple years at St. Vincent's Hospital Southside on Belfort Road, with preliminary estimates placing the value of stolen surgical robotic arms at approximately $14.25 million.

The investigation was opened in December 2024 after the hospital's security manager reported that multiple surgical robotic arms had gone missing. A review of surveillance footage and badge-access records led investigators to 58-year-old Angela Kearse, a former operations technician at the facility. Video and still images showed Kearse leaving the Southside building around 3 a.m. on Christmas Day 2024. She pleaded guilty last month to stealing $60,000 worth of robotic arms from the hospital and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 5.

Kearse told police that 54-year-old Michael Roberson had been involved in planning the thefts alongside another individual. Roberson, who presented himself as a local radiology sales representative, allegedly sold the stolen equipment to third-party retailers in Florida and Tennessee. The security manager indicated that similar thefts appeared to date back to 2020, and that additional individuals were suspected to be involved.

Roberson was taken into custody last week. He now faces felony charges including grand theft, dealing in stolen property, and criminal attempt. His arraignment is scheduled for March 4.

Financial analysis by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office confirmed that unused surgical instruments valued at approximately $14.25 million are missing from St. Vincent's Hospital Southside and other Ascension-affiliated facilities.

Kearse said she first met Roberson in 2023 at a Jacksonville poker room, where she was employed as a card dealer. The two subsequently developed a personal relationship.

St. Vincent's Hospital provided a statement to News4JAX in response to inquiries about the thefts: "We appreciate the diligence of law enforcement in conducting an investigation into reported medical device thefts. The individual identified by authorities as the alleged ringleader is not, and has never been, associated with our organization. One former employee charged earlier in the matter was immediately separated from our health system at that time. We continue to cooperate fully with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. Additional questions should be directed to their department."

Source: Google News VC — Crime