TRENTON, NJ — Three employees at long-term care facilities in New Jersey have been indicted on criminal charges including assault on institutionalized elderly persons, according to announcements from the state Attorney General's Office and the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor.
The charges involve two separate cases in Ocean County and Camden County, with allegations ranging from physical restraint and neglect to chemical assault with bleach, as reported by state prosecutors. The indictments were announced in conjunction with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day observance.
Criminal Charges in Ocean County
Joseph Robles, 23, of Tuckerton, and Maria Alcantara, 53, of Toms River, were named in a 10-count indictment returned by a State Grand Jury, according to the Attorney General's Office. Both defendants entered not guilty pleas to the charges.
The investigation conducted by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit found that between January 13 and January 15, 2023, the two employees at an Alzheimer's care facility in Toms River allegedly physically restrained a 93-year-old patient and caused or attempted to cause bodily injury, as reported by prosecutors. The defendants also allegedly falsified patient records by documenting 30-minute wellness checks that were never performed, according to the investigation findings.
Federal regulations require long-term care facilities to maintain accurate records of patient care and prohibit the use of unauthorized physical restraints on residents.
Camden County Assault Case
In a separate case, Simone Goldsboro, 34, of Camden, was indicted by the State Grand Jury on aggravated assault charges stemming from alleged abuse at a residential nursing home in Cherry Hill where she was employed, according to prosecutors.
The investigation revealed that Goldsboro allegedly sprayed a patient's body and facial area with bleach, causing or attempting to cause serious bodily injury, as reported by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. The defendant is also accused of purposefully or recklessly injuring the resident by roughly undressing her and pulling her hair, according to the indictment.
"When we place our loved ones in the care of others, we rightfully expect that they will be treated with compassion, respect, and dignity," Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin stated in the announcement. "Those placed in care facilities should not have to fear victimization. We have a duty to protect those who cannot protect themselves, and we will advocate for them and prosecute those who exploit and mistreat vulnerable members of our society."
Elder Abuse in Institutional Settings
According to national statistics cited by state officials, approximately one in six people aged 60 or older experience some form of abuse, including psychological abuse, physical abuse, financial abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect. The abuse often remains unreported because victims may be too afraid or embarrassed to seek help, particularly in institutional settings where they depend on staff for daily care.
Assault on an institutionalized elderly person carries enhanced penalties under New Jersey law compared to standard assault charges, reflecting the vulnerability of residents in care facilities and their dependence on staff members.
"We will not allow our elderly to be subjected to criminal abuse. Our loved ones deserve better," Interim Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Al Garcia stated. "Criminal cases like these send a clear message that anyone who would harm and neglect individuals who need and deserve proper care and assistance will be brought to justice."
State Response and Awareness Efforts
The indictments were announced as the Attorney General's Office prepared to observe World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, an annual initiative commemorated on June 15 when communities and organizations work to shed light on the signs and forms of elder mistreatment.
In conjunction with the observance, the New Jersey Attorney General's Office hosted a "WEAAD Awareness Walk" on June 15, 2024, at Cooper River Park in Pennsauken, according to state officials. The event was designed to advance elder justice and raise multi-generational awareness of elder abuse among youth, families, and older adults.
The cases are being prosecuted by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, which investigates allegations of patient abuse and neglect in facilities that receive Medicaid funding, as well as Medicaid provider fraud.
Resources for Families
Families who suspect abuse, neglect, or exploitation of elderly residents in long-term care facilities should report concerns immediately to appropriate authorities.
New Jersey residents can report suspected elder abuse to the state Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Financial Exploitation hotline at 609-292-1272.
The National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center provides advocacy services for residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities. The national hotline can be reached at 1-800-677-1116, and additional resources are available at ltcombudsman.org.
Federal law requires all states to maintain ombudsman programs that investigate complaints made by or on behalf of residents in long-term care facilities. Ombudsmen can help address concerns about quality of care, resident rights, and facility conditions.
Families should also be aware that nursing home residents have the right to be free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation under federal law, and facilities that receive Medicare or Medicaid funding must comply with strict regulations designed to protect resident safety and dignity.
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