|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
COLONIAL HEIGHTS, Va. (BFMG) — Police arrested multiple employees of the Colonial Heights Rehabilitation and Nursing Center Wednesday morning, charging them with crimes including abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults, falsifying patient records, and obstruction of justice. The arrests followed an investigation into the death of a 74-year-old patient, who was hospitalized and ultimately died due to inadequate care.
Eighteen staff members face warrants, including the facility’s administrator, Shawonda Jeter, 46, and nurse Danielle Harris, 53. Both are currently in custody without bond, according to Major Rob Ruxer of the Colonial Heights Police Department.
“We have secured warrants on 18 individuals who are staff members at Colonial Heights Rehabilitation and Nursing Center,” Ruxer said.
Investigation and Charges
The arrests stem from a complaint filed in October with Adult Protective Services, which prompted an investigation involving multiple local and state agencies, including the Virginia Attorney General’s Elder Abuse Task Force. Authorities have since executed multiple search warrants at the facility to obtain medical records.
“During the investigation, our investigators, as well as individuals with the Elder Abuse Task Force, secured and served multiple search warrants on the facility,” Ruxer said.
Charges against the staff include both felony and misdemeanor counts. One nurse faces five misdemeanor charges for falsifying patient records.
Facility Oversight
In a statement, Delegate Mike Cherry said the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has deployed staff to the nursing home to ensure the proper care of residents and assist with leadership transitions.
“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,” Cherry said.
Police are still working to apprehend all 18 individuals named in the warrants and have asked the public for assistance.
History of Violations
This is not the first time the Colonial Heights facility has come under scrutiny. In July, CBS 6 reported that the Virginia Department of Health’s Office of Licensure and Certification found four violations of federal rules at the nursing home during a prior investigation.
CBS 6 cameras captured law enforcement removing evidence bags from the facility on Wednesday as part of the ongoing investigation.
A public relations firm representing the facility issued a brief statement: “We are aware of the events that happened today and are cooperating fully with law enforcement.”
Police urge community members to report any suspected abuse or neglect involving the nursing home to the Colonial Heights Police Department.
