NATCHEZ — The administrator of the company that employed a local woman who is accused of stealing and pawning jewelry she allegedly stole from the home of an elderly patient said the company is sorry for the actions of the employee.

Tawanna Carter, administrator of Heart2Heart Homecare Services, said the company has a zero tolerance policy for theft and actually aided police in the investigation of the crime.

Tangela M. Franklin, 22, 705 Bates Road, was charged Wednesday with grand larceny. Natchez Lt. Craig Godbold said a family member of one of Franklin’s clients reported missing jewelry from their house.

Carter said the family member first came to her about the missing jewelry. Instead of firing Franklin, Carter said she assisted police in the investigation, which she said ultimately led to Franklin’s confession.

Carter said Franklin passed an extensive background search and was only employed by the company for about a week.

“Unfortunately, there are some things we just can’t predict,” she said.

Carter said she reported Franklin’s alleged behavior to the Mississippi Nurse Aide Registry so Franklin’s license would be revoked.

“We just don’t tolerate abuse of any kind of our elderly,” Carter said. “I am sincerely sorry that it even went on. I love my clients, and I would do anything for them.”

Carter said she received calls Thursday asking if the company is hiring.

“I am hiring, but I want people to know if they come (to work) here thinking they are going to steal, they are going to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” she said.