A 38-year-old male nurse assistant was arrested this week after a co-worker turned him in for the alleged sexual assault of an elderly patient at the Cypress Ridge Care Center in Monterey, California.
Co-worker Witnessed; Reported The Attack
Detectives from the Monterey Police Department (PD) questioned both the co-worker who witnessed the assault and the alleged attacker. Following this interview, Jake Pinkas, a Lieutenant with the Monterey PD, said the nurse assistant was arrested on charges of elder abuse and sexual battery.
KSBW8 further reported that detectives on the case believe they will find additional victims who were assaulted by this individual, so the investigation is ongoing.
Nursing Home Leadership Response
Although administrators at the facility where the attack occurred have reportedly taken immediate steps to protect residents, no mention was made regarding whether the employee had been properly vetted prior to hiring him. A typical background check of a candidate applying for a nurse assistant position should include, at minimum:
- Verification of education, training and certifications
- Criminal background check
- Following up with references of former employers to see if there was any concerning behavior in the applicant’s work history
Contact Our Trusted Attorneys For Help
This is an all too common story in nursing homes across the U.S., and many families feel helpless to protect their loved ones from an attack like this. However, you can check out these helpful resources for choosing a nursing home, watching for signs of abuse or neglect, and where to report a suspicious incident.
If you suspect your loved one has suffered an act of negligence or abuse, we encourage you to seek legal help immediately after reporting the incident and removing your loved one from harm. At PKSD Law, our reputable Wisconsin nursing home abuse lawyers provide a free nursing home abuse consultation so you can get answers to your legal questions and find out whether you may have grounds for compensation. There are zero upfront costs for you. We only get paid if you do.
Schedule your free consultation today: 414-333-3333
