This has to be one of the worst reported cases of elder abuse. In a very disturbing incident, two San Diego registered nurses are under investigation for engaging in sex acts with a 98-year-old bedridden stroke patient, and each other. Their actions were discovered because they were recorded on several videos of the patient’s bedroom, at home.
One of the videos shows two men in blue scrubs fondling each other in the female patient’s bedroom, as one touches her hand. One of the nurses then fondles himself over her hand as he leans over and kisses her face. Another video shows the men touching the woman, and putting her hand in their pants. The San Diego District Attorney’s Office is determining appropriate criminal charges against Russel O. Torralba and Alfredo V. Ruiz; both men have had their nursing licenses suspended, as they await an administrative hearing.
The 98-year-old patient had been in the care of paid professionals for several years; after she after suffering a stroke and right-side paralysis in 2005, she had hired skilled nurses to provide care in her home. In February 2011, the woman’s daughter used through AMS Home Care Solutions to hire two 12-hour shift registered nurses at a rate of $1,300 per day. The woman came to suspect her mother was not receiving proper care, but complaining to the company did nothing, said the family’s attorney, William M. Berman. Two weeks after the complaints, family members watched video from security cameras, installed in the woman’s home years earlier.
Making this case even more horrible, the patient, now 99, is aware of herself and her surroundings but is unable to call out for help. One of the worst reported cases of elder abuse, the state Department of Consumer Affairs launched its investigation last year, after the family filed a formal complaint, in April of 2011. A lawsuit against AMS, Ruiz and Torralba—alleging fraud, elder abuse and negligent supervision—was filed in June in San Diego Superior Court; trial is set for Jan. 14. The case was transferred from the Department of Consumer Affairs to county prosecutors in July of this year, and remains under review.
A spokesman for the state, Ross Heimerich, said an administrative law judge ordered interim suspension of Ruiz’s and Torralba’s nursing licenses on October 24; the men may still work as nurses in hospitals, but not together, or in private homes or facilities. A hearing is set for November 14, to determine whether their licenses will be permanently suspended.
More than 30% of nursing homes in the country experience some form of resident abuse. If you believe a loved one has been abused or neglected at a nursing home, contact Mike Agruss Law, at 312-224-4695 for a free consultation. Mike Agruss Law, represents victims of nursing home abuse and neglect throughout Illinois. We will handle your case quickly, advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you. This litigation strategy will provide you with the best possible compensation.
Plus, Mike Agruss Law, does not get paid attorney’s fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. Therefore, you have nothing to risk when you hire our firm—just the opportunity to seek justice. Protect your loved one’s rights by contacting us today.
