Nursing Home Janitor Charged with Abuse

Christina Cole

Contributor

0 CommentsPrint ArticleSubscribe

A former nursing home employee in Palm Beach County is being charged with striking a disabled nursing home resident.

He was arrested after a completed investigation by the Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Units Patient Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation (PANE) team. The investigation show's he was employed as a janitor at the Nursing Center.

The investigation alleges, he struck a 48-year-old mentally disabled adult with a metal handled mop. A nurse also employed by the facility witnessed the incident and Williams was fired as a result.

If convicted of his charges, Williams faces up to 20 years in prison and a $15,000 fine. He is being charged with one count of aggravated battery (a second-degree felony) and one count of abuse of a disabled adult (a third-degree felony). The case is set to be prosecuted by the Palm Beach County State Attorney's Office.

The PANE Project plays a key role in detecting abuse and neglect of elderly and disabled patients, helping to ensure that efficient and effective health care is being provided. The Attorney General's Office has PANE teams in Miami, Tallahassee, Tampa and West Palm Beach.