COLONIAL HEIGHTS, Va. — Thirteen people associated with Colonial Heights Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, including nursing employees, a medical director, and the facility administrator, appeared before a judge Wednesday. Most were facing charges related to an investigation of elder abuse, in which eighteen total staff members were arrested in December 2024.
Prosecutors allege that a resident at the facility received inadequate care, which led to wounds and ultimately her death. They claim the elderly resident was left in her bed for days in her own urine and feces, was not turned, and was not changed as she should have been. A judge previously called the allegations "gut-wrenching" and "horrendous."
The court postponed cases for seven defendants Wednesday, including four staff members charged with felony abuse and neglect. Among those defendants were Nurse Manager Michelle Beddoe, Nurse Danielle Harris, Night Nurse Shakima Brewer and Administrator Shawanda Jeter.
All the defendants approached by CBS 6 for comment declined to speak about their cases, including Jeter. When asked if she had any remarks, she responded, “No comment.”
Colonial Heights Commonwealth's Attorney Gray Collins explained that the continuances were necessary because prosecutors still need more documents from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), the facility's government regulator. Collins said VDH has retained a lawyer in this matter and plans to cooperate with requests for records.
Collins added that investigators have uncovered more victims and evidence as they have reviewed extensive volumes of documents, but they need more time to go through them.
“As we’ve gotten more documents and as our nurse practitioner and our detective have gone through the documents, they’ve uncovered more and more victims and more and more evidence,” Collins said.
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Additionally, five staff members charged with falsifying patient records appeared in court on Wednesday. Collins claims they documented the use of a Hoyer lift for a victim when, in fact, they had not used it.
One of those defendant's charge was dismissed after prosecutors determined she was not liable. For three other defendants, their charges were temporarily dropped, but Collins indicated that more serious charges were forthcoming for more serious crimes.
“The charges that we’re looking to bring back are abuse and neglect which are a different type of charge with more victims than just this one, so we didn’t want to go forward on a lesser charge. We wanted to get all the information and bring back the correct charges,” Collins said.
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One more staff member entered a deal on Wednesday, pleading guilty to falsifying records. She agreed to complete 80 hours of community service and take an educational course on vulnerable adult abuse and neglect awareness and prevention. If she fulfills her obligations, the charge will be dismissed in six months, and she will be allowed to practice nursing again.
The final person to face the judge Wednesday was a lawyer for the facility, who was accused of obstructing or resisting a police search warrant at the nursing home. The judge threw the case out, citing a lack of evidence to support the claim.
On Thursday, Mindie Barnett, spokesperson for Colonial Heights Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, sent a statement regarding the outcomes of Wednesday's court appearances.
"After reviewing the case, the general district court judge ruled that the physician may practice medicine without restrictions. All nurses and doctors, at the request of the Commonwealth attorneys, are permitted to practice nursing. As a result, charges have been dropped for many individuals. Due to the lack of evidence, the first trial resulted in an acquittal before the presentation of any defense. Our community continues to focus on patient care, safety, and well-being," Barnett said.
Collins noted that investigators have identified at least four additional alleged victims at the Colonial Heights Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. He urged the community to contact the police department if they believe their loved ones have been affected at the facility.
This is a developing story. Email the CBS 6 Newsroom if you have additional information to share.
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