JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A caretaker accused of stealing from people in a nursing home made her first appearance in court Tuesday morning.

Sharon Kaiser, 44, was arrested on suspicion of fraudulent use of credit cards, petit theft, exploitation of the elderly, bank fraud, grand theft and fraudulent use of personal identification information. Police said three others were arrested in the thefts and one more is being sought, though none of them were employees of the nursing home.

Missing checks were initially reported at the Cypress Village retirement community off Butler Boulevard late last year, according to a police report. The report indicates there are also a lot more missing high-priced items.

One elderly resident reported that someone stole a $5,000 14-karat charm bracelet and a $2,500 ring from her, according to the report. Another victim reported having a $1,600 necklace and an $1,800 gold chain swiped.

"We were assured by Dr. Felix that it was a safe environment, that all employees had a background check," said Jack Slaughter, whose mother was a resident and has had tens of thousands of dollars worth of jewelry stolen out of her room and pawned, including her engagement ring. "It's very emotional because not only were they valuable but the sentimental value for my mother. One was a dinner ring my father gave her back in the '70s that she wore every day of her life."

Kaiser is not named as a suspect in Slaughter's case, but family members said it is clear there's a larger problem at the facility.

"That was part of the reason why we felt like we should leave," Slaughter said. "My mom has Alzheimer's disease and she was aware that someone was coming into her room and stealing from her. We went to the authorities at Cypress Village and informed them of what my mom was telling us, and we were led to believe that it could be paranoia brought on by her Alzheimer's disease."

Police said Kaiser stole checks and then handed them off to cohorts to cash, a plot foiled by quick thinking employees at a Wachovia branch.

"Our tellers and store (branch) staff are highly trained in this area," a Wachovia spokesperson said. "We also work to assist law enforcement in apprehending perpetrators who commit these crimes."

The facility's executive director said Kaiser was the only employee involved in the thefts and was on suspension since Dec. 3. She was fired Monday, the same day she turned herself in to police.

Police said they arrested Kaiser after linking jewelry found at pawn shops to her. Her bond was set Tuesday at $27,521.