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Dunedin Nursing Home Employee Arrested for Assaulting Disabled Residents

Community members gathered to discuss concerns over nursing home safety following recent abuse allegations.

News Summary

Nicholas Brown, a 35-year-old Certified Nursing Assistant at Lake Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility in Dunedin, was arrested for assaulting two disabled male residents. The abuse, reported by a facility employee, involved multiple strikes resulting in non-life-threatening injuries. Brown faces serious charges and has been terminated from his position. The community is deeply concerned about resident safety in nursing homes and authorities are calling for anyone with additional information to come forward.

Dunedin Nursing Home Employee Arrested for Assault on Disabled Residents

In a shocking turn of events, Dunedin has recently seen an unsettling incident unfold at one of its nursing homes. The Pinellas Sheriff’s Office detectives have arrested a 35-year-old man, Nicholas Brown, from St. Petersburg, who was working as a Certified Nursing Assistant at the Lake Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility, located at 1351 San Christopher Drive.

Details of the Investigation

The investigation kicked off on December 23, 2024, when reports surfaced indicating that two vulnerable residents had been assaulted by Brown. Both of the victims are adult males with disabilities, including one who has a traumatic brain injury and another who is quadriplegic with intellectual disabilities. Tragically, both individuals are also non-verbal, meaning they cannot communicate verbally, which raises serious concerns about their ability to report incidents of abuse.

Witnesses on the scene played a vital role in unveiling the truth behind these allegations. An employee at the facility observed Brown acting violently towards the residents, striking them multiple times on their legs, sides, and buttocks with an open hand. The assaults, although deeply troubling, resulted in non-life-threatening injuries for the victims, who were subsequently treated within the nursing facility.

The Arrest

The situation took a definitive turn on January 7, 2025, when authorities made the decision to arrest Brown. He now faces two counts of abuse or neglect concerning an aged or disabled person, a serious charge that has caught the attention of the community. Following his arrest, Brown was booked into the Pinellas County Jail, where he will await further legal proceedings.

As the investigation has progressed, Brown’s employment at Lake Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility has been terminated due to the severity of the allegations. The nursing home, a place that should be a safe haven for its residents, is now under scrutiny, and the community is left to grapple with rising concerns over the safety of its most vulnerable members.

Community Impact and Call for Information

The events surrounding this incident have understandably alarmed many residents of Dunedin and the surrounding areas. Nursing homes are designed to provide care, comfort, and security to individuals who often rely on assistance for daily activities. With this unfortunate incident, many are questioning the measures in place to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.

Authorities have urged anyone who may have additional information regarding this case or believes they may have other potential victims to come forward. They encourage individuals to contact Corporal Antonio at 727-582-6722. Bringing to light any further details could assist in protecting the residents and holding those responsible accountable.

Looking Ahead

As Dunedin navigates through the aftermath of this distressing situation, the community remains vigilant in advocating for the rights and protection of its most vulnerable members. This incident serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of oversight in care facilities and the need for continued vigilance to ensure that such actions are reported and addressed immediately.

Moving forward, all eyes will be on the legal proceedings against Nicholas Brown as they unfold. The hope is that justice will be served and that the nursing home industry takes this incident to heart, implementing stricter measures to protect residents from potential abuse.