Nurse's Aide Arrested For New Year's Day Attack On Elderly Patient At Westchester Nursing Home

Attorney General Spitzer today announced the arrest of a certified nurse's aide for physically abusing an 85-year-old female patient at an Ossining nursing home on New Year's Day.

Rene Mitchell, 21, of 960 Pemart Avenue in Peekskill, appeared today for arraignment in Ossining Village Court. She is charged with Wilful Violation of Health Laws. If convicted, she faces up to one year in prison.

It is alleged that Mitchell, while employed as a CNA at the Victoria Home on January 1, 2000, hit and grabbed the elderly patient on her neck and chest.

"This kind of violent crime against our elderly and most vulnerable residents will not be tolerated," said Spitzer. "We are committed to vigorously prosecuting those who abuse the very citizens whose care and well-being is entrusted to them."

Spitzer thanked the State Health Department for referring the matter to his Office.

Special Assistant Attorney General Gilbert Epstein, of the Pearl River Regional Office of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, is prosecuting the case. All cases are handled under the direct supervision of Deputy Attorney General Jos? Maldonado.

The charge against Mitchell is an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.