Crime & Safety

Nursing Assistant Pleads 'Not Guilty' to Charges of Elder Abuse at Jamaica Plain Nursing Home

Prosecutors say Marie Romelus, 48, struck an elderly person in her care at the Armenian Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Jamaica Plain.

[Editor's note: The following is a press release from the Attorney General's Office.]

A former Certified Nursing Assistant at the Armenian Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Jamaica Plain was arraigned today in connection with the alleged assault of a 70-year-old disabled resident at the facility, Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office announced today.

Marie Romelus, 48, of Hyde Park, is charged with assault and battery on an elderly person. She was arraigned in the West Roxbury Division of the Boston Municipal Court.

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In June 2012, the AG’s Office began an investigation after the matter was referred by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Authorities allege that in May 2012, Romelus physically assaulted the victim when she became resistant to care. According to a witness, Romelus allegedly struck the victim, who has suffered a stroke and has long-term cognitive impairment, twice on the chest with her hand while the victim was lying in her bed.

On Tuesday, Romelus pleaded not guilty before Judge Ernest Sarason and was released on personal recognizance. She was ordered not to provide services to elders or people with disabilities. Romelus is due back in court on Nov. 13, 2012 for a pre-trial conference.

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The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Kriss Basil and is being investigated by Investigators Jessica Roy and Robert Ames, all of AG Coakley’s Medicaid Fraud Division.


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