Family says home surveillance captured the October incident inside a Center City condo.
PHILADELPHIA, PA — A former Philadelphia Fire Department emergency medical technician has been charged after prosecutors say he took cash from a deceased woman’s wallet while responding to a call in Center City in October. The defendant, identified as 41-year-old Gary Robb, was arrested in December and faces three misdemeanor counts, including theft, authorities said.
Prosecutors and relatives of the woman, 72-year-old Nanette Santilli, say the allegation is supported by footage from a camera inside her condo. The case has stirred anger because it touches the trust placed in first responders entering private homes during emergencies. The Fire Department confirmed Robb is no longer employed. District Attorney Larry Krasner called the accusation an abuse of public trust and said his office intends to pursue the matter in court. A defense attorney was not listed in initial court filings, and attempts to reach Robb for comment were unsuccessful.
According to the District Attorney’s Office, medics were called to Santilli’s Center City residence in October, where she was later pronounced dead of natural causes. Afterward, investigators allege, Robb removed cash from her wallet while inside the condo. Relatives say they discovered the suspected theft while reviewing the unit’s security system, which records the living area and entryway. “It’s a betrayal of trust, especially to the family,” said Vincent Giorgio, Santilli’s nephew. The family said the footage appears to show Robb acknowledging the presence of a camera before the alleged theft and then handling items belonging to Santilli.
Krasner said the case underscores the unique authority granted to public employees in emergency roles. “He’s in the home because of his status as an EMT for the fire department,” the district attorney said, adding that the allegation involves money that would belong to Santilli’s estate. Prosecutors said Robb was taken into custody in December and charged with three misdemeanors, including theft. The Fire Department said Robb is no longer on the city payroll and declined further comment, citing personnel and criminal matters. Relatives said they confronted Robb at a court appearance and that he showed no remorse; they allege he called it a “victimless crime.” No inventory of the amount of cash at issue was immediately released.
The Philadelphia Fire Department, which staffs EMTs and paramedics citywide, said it is cooperating with prosecutors. Officials have not announced internal disciplinary findings beyond Robb’s departure from the department. Prosecutors said that, if convicted, Robb could face a sentence of up to three to six years of incarceration, depending on charging and sentencing guidelines. They also noted a conviction would not automatically bar him from applying for first responder jobs elsewhere, though Krasner said he expects agencies to conduct rigorous background checks before any hiring. Court paperwork did not list an attorney of record for Robb as of late Thursday.
Family members described Santilli as a longtime Center City resident who enjoyed hosting relatives. They said she died of natural causes and had planned gatherings this fall. “We’re just constantly reliving this, and I think until this situation ends, it’s just going to constantly be a reminder,” Giorgio said. The relatives said they provided the surveillance clip to investigators shortly after the death and sought to verify what was missing from Santilli’s belongings. The district attorney’s office said statements from family and first responders, along with the video, form the core of the case at this stage.
The incident occurred inside a private residence in an area dense with apartments and condominiums near Philadelphia’s business district, where EMTs routinely enter homes for medical calls and welfare checks. Public integrity and theft cases involving on-duty personnel are rare but highly scrutinized locally, particularly when they involve vulnerable residents. Prosecutors emphasized that the alleged conduct happened after Santilli’s death and inside her home, an environment where families often assume valuables will remain secure while authorities work. The Fire Department said it would share any additional internal findings with prosecutors if requested.
Robb’s next court date was not immediately available Thursday evening. The district attorney’s office said it expects the matter to proceed to a preliminary hearing in Municipal Court, where a judge will decide whether the charges are held for trial. Prosecutors said additional counts could be considered if new evidence emerges, though none had been announced as of Thursday. Krasner said his office would notify the family of any scheduling updates. Court records listed Robb’s address in Philadelphia and showed no attorney on file at the time of charging.
Outside the condo building Thursday, neighbors described a steady stream of emergency vehicles on the day Santilli died and said they were surprised to learn of the theft allegation. A resident who asked to be identified only by his first name, Michael, said the building’s hallways are covered by cameras. “We see EMTs here often; they’re usually very professional,” he said. Giorgio said the family wants the case resolved. “We trusted the people in that room,” he said. “We just want accountability.” The Fire Department said it would not comment further while the criminal case is active.
As of late Thursday, the case remained open and active with the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors said they would announce a preliminary hearing date once it is set and continue reviewing evidence provided by Santilli’s family and city agencies.
Author note: Last updated January 30, 2026.