By: Wayne Covil
COLONIAL HEIGHTS, Va. — Colonial Heights police arrested multiple employees at the Colonial Heights Rehabilitation and Nursing Center Wednesday morning, charging them with crimes ranging from abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults to falsifying patient records. The arrests came after a complaint was made in October. Police say a 74-year-old patient was hospitalized and ultimately died due to inadequate care received at the facility.
Eighteen staff members have warrants issued against them, including Shawonda Jeter, 46, the administrator of the center and Danielle Harris, 53, who is a nurse. Both women are currently in custody without bond.
"We have secured warrants on 18 individuals who are staff members at Colonial Heights Rehabilitation and Nursing Center," Major Rob Ruxer, of the Colonial Heights Police, said.
More charges could be forthcoming as the investigation continues.
The series of arrests followed an investigation launched by the police in October after Adult Protective Services reported a potential elder abuse case.
Multiple local and state agencies, including the State Attorney General’s Elder Abuse Task Force, are involved in the ongoing investigation and were present during the arrests.
According to police, charges include both felony and misdemeanor counts, including the abuse of vulnerable adults, falsifying patient records, and obstruction of justice.
CBS 6 cameras captured evidence bags being removed from the facility.
"During the investigation, our investigators, as well as individuals with the Elder Abuse Task Force, have secured and served multiple search warrants on the facility in order to obtain medical records,” Ruxer said.
One nurse has been charged with five counts of misdemeanor falsifying patient records.
"The Virginia Department of Health has staff on the ground to ensure that all residents are receiving proper care and will remain involved to ensure that the proper individuals are placed in leadership positions moving forward," Delegate Mike Cherry told CBS 6 in a statement.
Colonial Heights police are still working to apprehend all 18 individuals and are requesting assistance from the public.
They are urging family and friends in the community to report any similar situations at the facility to the police department.
CBS 6 previously reported about Colonial Heights facility in July when the Virginia Department of Health's Office of Licensure and Certification looked into the nursing home following a CBS 6 investigation. The investigation uncovered four instances where the facility violated federal rules.
A PR firm sent us the following statement:
"We are aware of the events that happened today and are cooperating fully with law enforcement.”
Full Article & Source:
Police swarm Colonial Heights nursing home, arrest employees after patient death
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