William Thomas Hill, a certified nursing assistant, was arrested by the police Friday night for allegedly abusing a 62-year-old patient.
Hill, 28, works for Whitehall Healthcare Center in Novi, Mich. Another employee reported on behalf of Thomas David Johns, a patient who suffers from dementia. The Novi Police is still investigating and gathering more evidence against Hill, WXYZ.com reported.
Magistrate Judith Holtz made the arraignment and charged Hill with two counts of third-degree vulnerable adult abuse, which translates to four years of imprisonment. The nursing assistant is currently being held at the Oakland County Jail while waiting for the next court session on Wednesday.
Family members of the elderly patient expressed their dismay of the incident. Johns, who has been at the health center since March 5, showed injuries on his legs, arms, head and back.
"I thought he was safe there. I blame myself for not seeing the signs, but I really thought he was in good hands," Beth Johns, the patient's wife, told Detroit Free Press.
“This is just so unbelievable."
The heath center promised to cooperate with the authorities in the investigation. Officials said that they were surprised about the allegations because Hill has a clean work record and a clean license.
“We are thoroughly investigating and cooperating with all local and state authorities. The safety of those entrusted to our care is our top priority and as such, we will continue to cooperate at every level,” the statement said.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, elder abuse has become a significant public problem. More than 500,000 adults over age 60 in the U.S. are believed to be abused or neglected each year.
