Couple Arrested on Charges of Elder Abuse and Exploitation
Reno, Nevada police report that a local couple were arrested on charges of elder abuse and exploitation of two elderly people living in their home.
According to police reports, Russell Henderson and his wife Dalaiah Johnson were arrested on September 16th and charged with elder abuse, elder exploitation, and theft. The couple had two elderly patients living with them, who were not related to them – a 64-year-old disabled male, and an 85-year-old woman.
Russell Henderson, 46 years old, reportedly got to know the two victims while working as a commercial taxicab driver as part of a service for disabled and elderly people. Within a few years, Henderson brought each victim to his home to live with him and his 26-year-old wife.
Reno Police say that in August of this year, the male victim was admitted to the hospital with severe medical complications due to lack of appropriate care. After beginning an investigation, police discovered that, in addition to the physical elder abuse, Henderson was also accessing both victims’ bank accounts and taking out large amounts of cash for personal use.
After being in a proper care facility for several weeks, the male victim’s health dramatically improved.
Russell Henderson was charged with Neglect of Elderly, Elder Exploitation, and Theft. Dalaiah Johnson was charged with a Neglect of Elderly Person.
Actions to Take Against Elder Abuse
An act of elder abuse, neglect or exploitation of an older person might give rise to one or all of the following types of proceedings:
1. an investigation and finding by an adult protective services agency or the regulatory agency for nursing homes (in South Carolina it is the Department of Environmental Control);
2. a civil cause of action for damages; and/or
3. a criminal prosecution.
These three types of proceedings have different objectives: the objective of a protective services investigation is to provide immediate help and relief to the victim and prevent further harm; the civil action is to seek compensation for damages; and the criminal prosecution is when the state seeks to punish the harmful conduct.
In South Carolina, call to report suspected elder abuse or mistreatment in:
- Private or foster homes: 803-898-7318
- Richland county long-term care facilities: 803-734-9900
- Long-term care facilities outside Richland County: 800-868-9095
Find resources and learn more: Visit South Carolina’s office of aging Ombudsman site. The site provides reports and access to records on long-term care facilities as well as the residents’ Bill of Rights.
The Attorneys at the Strom Law Firm Prosecute Elder Abuse
If your loved one has physically suffered, or died wrongfully, because an in-home caregiver or registered nurse in a nursing home has neglected the patient, you may have an elder abuse case. The attorneys at the Strom Law Firm understand the sensitive nature of elder abuse cases, and will treat you with respect and compassion. It is important to fight elder abuse so you, your family, and others no longer suffer because of criminal behavior. We offer free, confidential consultations to discuss the facts of your case. Contact us today for help.803.252.4800
