Dental Assistant Accused Of Stealing Jewelry From Sedated Patients

MANORVILLE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) - Suffolk County Police arrested a dental assistant accused of stealing jewelry from patients who were sedated.

Arieta Gouvakis, 38, was arraigned on grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property charges Friday morning.

According to police, Gouvakis robbed the jewelry from two patients at Long Island Implant at Cosmetic Dentistry on Fairway Drive in Rocky Point. Neither patient realized their jewelry was missing until they left the office, police said.

Web Extra: Read the complaint (.pdf)

She allegedly stole rings and bracelets and from pocketbooks, CBSN New York's Jennifer McLogan reported. A doctor in the office said Gouvakis worked there for less than two weeks before they noticed some trouble and called in detectives.

"We are pleased that there was an arrest," said Dr. Elliot Koschitzki. "She only worked for us for a very short period of time. As soon as we found out, we immediately contacted Suffolk County Police Department. They've been truly amazing."

"Have your patients been able to receive their belongings?" McLogan asked.

"So I can't get into details, but in short, yes," Koschitzki said.

The stolen items were recovered from pawn shops in the area, police said.

Anyone with additional information or thinks they may also have been victimized by her are asked to call Suffolk Police at (631) 852-8752.