COLONIAL HEIGHTS, Va. — Thirteen officials at the Colonial Heights Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, including nursing staff, medical directors and facility managers, appeared before a judge Wednesday. A total of 18 employees were arrested in December 2024, most of whom were charged with charges related to the elder abuse investigation.
Prosecutors allege that residents at the facility received inadequate care, which led to their injuries and ultimately their deaths. They allege the elderly resident was left in bed for several days in his own urine and feces, unable to turn around or get the changes he should have. The judge previously described the allegations as “heartbreaking” and “horrifying”.
The court on Wednesday adjourned the case of seven defendants, including four employees, who were charged with felony abuse and neglect. Those defendants included Director of Nursing Michelle Bedeau, Registered Nurse Danielle Harris, Night Shift Nurse Shakima Brewer, and Administrator Shawanda Jeter.
All of the defendants contacted by CBS 6 for comment declined to discuss the case, including Jeter. When asked if he had anything to say, he answered, “No comment.”
Colonial Heights Commonwealth's Attorney Gray Collins explained that the continuance was necessary because prosecutors still need more documentation from the facility's government regulator, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). Collins said VDH has retained an attorney in this matter and will cooperate with the records request.
Collins added that investigators have found more victims and evidence after reviewing a large amount of documents, but they need more time to review them.
“As we got more documents and the nurses and detectives reviewed the documents, they uncovered more and more victims and more evidence,” Collins said.
WATCH: CBS 6 investigation finds state finds 4 violations of federal law at Colonial Heights nursing home
CBS 6 investigation finds state finds four violations of federal law at Colonial Heights Nursing Home
Additionally, five employees appeared in court on Wednesday charged with falsifying patient records. Collins claims the victim documented the use of a Heuer lift when the victim did not actually use it.
Charges against one of these defendants were dropped after prosecutors determined she was not responsible. Charges were temporarily dropped for the other three defendants, but Collins suggested further felonies could be imposed for more serious crimes.
“The charge we're trying to get back is abuse and neglect, and it's a different type of charge that has more victims than this case, so we didn't want to go ahead with a lesser charge. We wanted to get all the information and get back the correct charges,” Collins said.
WATCH: Nurse says she's 'daunted' after state inspection improves staffing at Colonial Heights nursing home
Nurse: 'daunted' after state inspection improves staffing at Colonial Heights nursing home
On Wednesday, another staff member signed a contract after 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 Recognition and Prevention. If she fulfills her obligations, the charges will be dropped within six months and she will be allowed to work in nursing again.
The last person to meet with a judge on Wednesday was an attorney for a nursing home charged with obstructing or resisting the issuance of a police search warrant at the nursing home. The judge dismissed the case due to lack of evidence to support the claims.
On Thursday, Colonial Heights Rehabilitation and Nursing Center spokeswoman Mindy Barnett released a statement regarding the outcome of Wednesday's court appearance.
“After reviewing the case, the District Court General Judge ruled that doctors can practice medicine without restriction. At the request of the Commonwealth's Attorney, all nurses and doctors are allowed to practice. As a result, charges against many were dropped. Due to a lack of evidence, the first trial resulted in an acquittal before defense arguments were heard. Our community remains focused on the care, safety, and welfare of our patients,” Barnett said.
Collins noted that investigators have identified at least four additional alleged victims at Colonial Heights Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. He urged local residents to contact police if they believe a loved one has been harmed at the facility.
This is a developing story. If you have additional information you would like to share, please email the CBS 6 newsroom.
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