Gail Bates was known in her suburban neighborhood as the "perfect" babysitter. With a background check that appeared clean (later found to be using a stolen identity) and glowing references, she became the primary caregiver for several affluent families. Her demeanor was soft-spoken and professional, allowing her easy access to the most private areas of the homes she serviced.
The first sign of trouble was minor. Ms. Bates noticed a twenty-dollar bill missing from her “emergency cash” drawer in the kitchen. She chalked it up to her own forgetfulness. Then, a gold locket—a family heirloom from her grandmother—went missing from her dresser. When she asked the babysitter if she had seen it, the young woman shook her head with convincing sincerity, even helping Ms. Bates tear the couch apart looking for it. gail bates thieving babysitter