Attorney General James Announces Arrest of Rochester Nursing Home Employee for Assaulting Resident

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced the arrest and arraignment of C’Vanna Gibson, 24, of Rochester, a former Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at Kirkhaven, a nursing home in Rochester, for assaulting an elderly resident in the facility on December 11, 2025. An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) found that Gibson allegedly attacked the resident during a visit to his room, grabbing his arm and pushing him into the bed, which caused a large skin tear, bleeding, and bruising. Gibson also allegedly grabbed and twisted the resident’s genitals and threw liquid in his face. Gibson was arrested and arraigned today on felony and misdemeanor charges in Rochester City Court.

“Every New Yorker living in a nursing home deserves safe and compassionate care,” said Attorney General James. “C’Vanna Gibson’s alleged assault of a vulnerable nursing home resident is despicable. My office has launched investigations across the state to stop abuse in nursing homes, and we will continue to make sure all those responsible for endangering vulnerable seniors face justice.”

Gibson allegedly assaulted the resident during a visit to his room at approximately 3:30 a.m. on December 11. After the assault, the resident was taken to the hospital, where he reported the incident to the Rochester Police Department (RPD). The RPD conducted an initial investigation into the allegations and then referred the case to OAG.

Gibson was charged today with Endangering the Welfare of an Incompetent or Physically Disabled Person in the First Degree, a felony, and Wilful Violation of Health Laws, a misdemeanor. She was arraigned before Rochester City Court Judge Melissa Barrett and pleaded not guilty. If convicted of the top charge, she faces a maximum sentence of one and one-third to four years in prison. 

The charges against the defendant are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Attorney General James thanks RPD for their valuable assistance in this investigation.

The case was investigated by Detectives Ahd Almansoob and Stephen Sachman under the supervision of Detective Supervisor Stacey DiSanto with the assistance of Medical Analyst Jennifer Cronkhite. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant Attorney Elizabeth Buckley under the supervision of Regional Director William Gargan of MFCU. MFCU is led by Deputy Attorney General Amy Held and Assistant Deputy Attorney General Thomas O’Hanlon. MFCU is a part of the Division for Criminal Justice, which is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General for Criminal Justice José Maldonado and overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Meghan Faux.

MFCU defends the public by addressing Medicaid provider fraud and protecting nursing home residents from abuse and neglect. If an individual believes they have information about Medicaid provider fraud or about an incident of abuse or neglect of a nursing home resident, they can file a confidential complaint online or call the MFCU hotline at (800) 771-7755. If the situation is an emergency, please call 911.

New York MFCU’s total funding for federal fiscal year (FY) 2026 is $70,793,651. Of that total, 75 percent, or $53,095,240, is awarded under a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The remaining 25 percent, totaling $17,698,411 for FY 2026, is funded by New York State. Through MFCU’s recoveries by law enforcement actions and civil enforcement, it regularly returns more to the state than it receives in state funding.