LAKE CITY, FL — Two former employees of The Canopy assisted living facility face criminal charges after surveillance cameras captured them using physical force against an elderly resident in separate incidents that occurred on February 1, 2026.
Ta'naiya Gallon, 26, and Toni Owens, 23, were arrested on Thursday, February 2, and booked into Columbia County jail on charges of battery on a person 65 years of age or older, according to Lake City police. The arrests came one day after the incident, which took place at approximately 2:30 p.m. at the facility located at 213 Northwest Gleason Drive.
According to reports from multiple news outlets, facility management contacted law enforcement after reviewing security camera footage that documented the alleged abuse. The video evidence showed the two staff members engaging in separate acts of force against the resident, including pushing the individual to the floor and physically restraining them on a couch, as reported by WCJB.
Investigators obtained the surveillance footage, collected sworn written statements from facility management, and gathered documentation showing that the facility had provided employee training on elder abuse prevention, de-escalation techniques, and facility policies, according to Action News Jax. Both women were taken into custody following the investigation.
"Abuse of an elderly resident is unacceptable and will be addressed with the full weight of the criminal justice process," Lake City Police Chief Gerald Butler stated in an official release. "Our department is committed to protecting our most vulnerable citizens, and we appreciate the cooperation of the facility and our partners in ensuring these allegations were reported, documented, and investigated thoroughly."
The facility cooperated fully with the police investigation, according to authorities. Both suspects were employed at The Canopy at the time of the alleged incidents but are no longer with the facility.
Florida law classifies battery against a person 65 years of age or older as a felony offense, carrying enhanced penalties compared to battery charges involving younger victims. The statute recognizes the particular vulnerability of elderly individuals in residential care settings.
Facility Operations and Oversight
The Canopy is an assisted living facility operating in Lake City, serving residents who require assistance with daily activities but do not need the level of medical care provided in skilled nursing homes. Assisted living facilities in Florida are regulated by the Agency for Health Care Administration, which conducts regular inspections and investigates complaints.
Florida assisted living facilities are required to maintain staff training programs that include education on residents' rights, abuse prevention, and appropriate behavior management techniques. Facilities must also have policies and procedures for reporting suspected abuse to law enforcement and state regulatory agencies.
The use of physical restraints or force against residents is strictly regulated under Florida law. Physical restraints may only be used in limited circumstances with proper medical authorization and cannot be employed for staff convenience or as a form of punishment.
Resources for Families
Families with loved ones in assisted living facilities who have concerns about care or safety can contact the Florida Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program at 1-888-831-0404. The ombudsman program provides free assistance to residents and families, investigates complaints, and advocates for quality care.
The National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center can be reached at 1-800-677-1116 or online at ltcombudsman.org for additional resources and guidance.
Suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of elderly or vulnerable adults in Florida should be reported to the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873). Reports can also be filed online through the Department of Children and Families website. All reports are investigated by state authorities.
Families are encouraged to make regular visits to facilities, ask questions about care practices, review incident reports, and speak directly with their loved ones about their experiences. Federal and state laws protect residents' rights to visitors and to voice concerns without fear of retaliation.
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