A 24-year-old home health nurse, Nia Ayers, has been arrested and charged with aggravated abuse of an 18-year-old patient in her care. Investigators say the victim’s medical condition rendered her unable to defend herself.
According to police reports, the victim’s mother became suspicious after noticing cuts and scrapes on her nonverbal daughter’s face, around her mouth, and on her eyelids.
Upon reviewing her home security camera footage, the mother reportedly witnessed a series of disturbing incidents involving Ayers.
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The footage allegedly captured Ayers repeatedly taping the young woman’s mouth shut and then forcibly removing the tape. In addition, Ayers was reportedly seen holding a washcloth over the patient’s mouth and shaking the teenager’s BiPAP breathing machine while it was connected to her nose.
Following the mother’s report and review of the video evidence, the SCPD obtained an arrest warrant for Ayers. She turned herself in to authorities late last Wednesday night and was booked into the Osceola County Department of Corrections.
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“The victim in this case is completely unable to defend herself or cry out for help,” stated Chief of Police Douglas Goerke. “This is a truly heinous act, and we are concerned there may be other victims.”
Authorities are urging anyone who has a family member who has received care from Nia Ayers and suspects any suspicious or abusive behavior to come forward. They are asking individuals to contact the St. Cloud Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Unit at (407) 891-6700.
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