A Norwich woman who formerly worked for a private health care company was charged Friday with stealing more than $10,000 worth of jewelry, money and other items from elderly residents in her care in Ledyard and Groton.

Aleesha-Lin Wood, 25, of 23 Hedge Ave., Norwich, was charged with fourth-degree larceny, two counts of third-degree larceny and making a false statement, after a lengthy investigation by Ledyard police.

Wood formerly worked as a home health care worker for Visiting Angels Living Assistance Services, a network of elder care services across the country.

Each franchise is independently owned and operated.

Police did not specify the location of the home care service group where she worked. There are 46 in Connecticut, according to the Visiting Angels website. The nearest Visiting Angels franchise is on Long Hill Road in Groton.

Ledyard police initially were told about a theft from a residence in Ledyard, and found additional elderly victims in Wood's care in Groton during the investigation that followed, according to a news release from Ledyard police.

Wood initially was held by Norwich Police on warrant, then was taken into custody by Ledyard police and transported to the state police barracks in Montville, where she was charged and released on a $10,000 bond.

She is scheduled to appear in New London Superior Court on Sept. 16.

d.straszheim@theday.com

Twitter: @DStraszheim