Woman faces charges after 58-year-old man dies in her care at Michigan nursing home

by Johnathan Hogan and Amaris Encinas 

A woman formerly employed at a Michigan nursing home facility is facing charges in connection to the death of one of its residents that occurred a couple of years back. 

Former certified nursing assistant Jessica Struhar was accused of elderly abuse and the placement of false information on a medical record while she was employed at MediLodge of Richmond, over 100 miles from the capital in 2021. 

The 26-year-old was arraigned nearly a week ago for those two charges, each punishable by up to four years in prison, according to the Michigan Department of Attorney General. 

“The overwhelming majority of those who provide long-term care in Michigan do so with integrity and respect for their important role. But when there is a serious breach in the responsibility entrusted to them, there are criminal consequences, and my office will seek accountability,” Attorney General Dana Nessel wrote in the news release. 

Here’s what we know.

What happened to the MediLodge of Richmond resident?

Struhar reportedly ignored standing orders related to the 58-year-old man’s care during meals repeatedly. 

Due to negation of protocol, the man had a “choking incident at the facility, ultimately resulting in the death of the resident," the news release states.

Investigators also discovered medical records regarding the patient's care had been falsified. The falsification was said to have occurred while the man was receiving lifesaving medical treatment.

What’s next for the former certified nursing assistant?

A probable cause hearing has been scheduled for Oct. 17 at Macomb County 42nd District Court.

How can I report elder abuse in Michigan?

More than 100,000 older adults in Michigan are victims of elder abuse, and less than half of all instances are reported to authorities, according to the Office of the Attorney General. 

Michigan residents can contact 800-24-ABUSE (22873) for elder abuse resources or or 855-444-3911 to report suspected elder abuse.

There is also a webform available online provided by the Department of the Attorney General and the Elder Abuse Task so residents can report suspected incidents of elder abuse, patient abuse and exploitation. 

“I created the Elder Abuse Task Force in 2019 to bring together a comprehensive group of experts to ensure our elderly and vulnerable populations are protected from abuse. Part of that work is ensuring the tools we provide to the public, like this form, are accessible, easy to complete, and up to date,” Nessel wrote in a news release.

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Woman faces charges after 58-year-old man dies in her care at Michigan nursing home

Woman facing numerous charges for allegedly taking advantage of elderly residents where she worked

by Zoe Brown, Emily Rittman

A woman is facing numerous charges for allegedly taking advantage of elderly people in Johnson County while she was working at two facilities.

OLATHE, KS (KCTV) -- A woman is facing numerous charges for allegedly taking advantage of elderly people in Johnson County.

According to a release from District Attorney Steve Howe's office, 39-year-old Patricia Ann Myler has been charged with: 

• Seven counts of mistreatment of an elder person
• Six counts of identity theft
• Three counts of computer crime targeting elderly residents at Villa St. Francis Nursing Home in Olathe while employed there

Court records show she is accused of stealing more than $25,000 but less than $100,000 from three victims, and more than $1,500 but less than $25,000 from three other victims. In one incident, she is accused of stealing less than $1,500 from one victim.

According to the release, Myler was identified as having worked at: 

• The AdventHealth Care Center located at 6501 W. 75th St. in Overland Park from June 2018 until February 2019
• Villa St. Francis located at 16600 W. 126th St in Olathe from March 2019 to December 2020

Her bond has been set at $15,000 cash or surety.

A spokesperson for the Villa St. Francis nursing homes said Myler resigned from her job. After her resignation, staff made concerning discoveries and contacted state authorities including the Kansas Attorney General’s Office. The spokesperson said through insurance and company policies they were able to make the residents and their families whole. They added the nursing home has policies in place including background checks and audits to protect residents.

A spokesperson for AdventHealth sent a written statement that said, “This individual is not employed by our organization.”

Anyone who has a friend or family member who was a resident at either of the facilities mentioned during the aforementioned time periods, and who noticed financial irregularities, is asked to contact the DA's White Collar Crime hotline 913-715-3140. 

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Woman facing numerous charges for allegedly taking advantage of elderly residents where she worked