Two employees of a Long Island senior care home are facing felony assault charges for allegedly attacking and suffocating an 88-year-old man, New York state authorities say.
Raquel Bouton, a licensed practical nurse, and Laura Harper, a personal care aide, were arrested after an investigation by the attorney general's office into the alleged assault at Woodhaven Adult Home in Port Jefferson on March 24.
Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said Bouton, 43, of Mount Sinai, and Harper, 58, of Coram, attacked the elderly man, tying his hands together, holding them above his head and punching him in the stomach several times. The two women also held a pillow over the man's face in bed, authorities said.
The victim suffered bruising to the torso, restricted breathing and pain, Schneiderman said.
Surveillance cameras in the hallway captured Bouton and Harper entering, then exiting the resident's room at the time of the alleged assault, according to Schneiderman. Bouton also covered up the alleged crime by falsifying progress notes, he said.
Bouton and Harper were each indicted on eight counts of assault and endangerment. They could each face up to three and a half to seven years in prison if convicted.
Attorneys for the women said the allegations are entirely unfounded. A message was left with the adult home.
Photo Credit: NY Attorney General