UCSF security guard accused of stealing $200K worth of Apple devices
San Francisco CA June 30 2023 A UCSF Medical Center security guard accused of stealing more than $200,000 worth of Apple devices from the hospital has been charged with grand theft, among other felony charges, the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office said.
Niyja Bassard, 24, of Pittsburg was arrested June 22 after being connected to a series of thefts of Apple devices authorities say were for use by UCSF Medical Center staff.
Bassard was arraigned Wednesday and pleaded not guilty to 17 counts of felony second degree commercial burglary, 17 counts of grand theft as well as two felony counts related to him accessing a computer system without permission.
The District Attorney’s Office, citing court documents, said Bassard’s position involved him patrolling various medical buildings and facilities. The thefts, which occurred from May 2022 until this month, were reported in locations where there was no evidence of forced entry, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
“Commercial burglary deeply impacts small businesses and large institutions alike and must be taken seriously,” San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said in a statement. “In a case like this, we’re talking about equipment that may have been used for life saving purposes or treatments. We do not underestimate or discount the gravity of this criminal conduct in any case and will seek to hold individuals accountable.”
Bassard has been ordered to stay away from UCSF Medical Center locations and his next court date is July 27. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in state prison.
