Angelene Burton Allegedly Slapped 88-Year-Old Alzheimer’s Patient On Head And Face
Schneiderman: My Office Will Not Tolerate Abuse Of Vulnerable New Yorkers By Those Responsible For Their Care
BUFFALO – Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced the arrest of Angelene Burton, 53, of Buffalo, charged with slapping an 88 year-old resident of Highpointe on Michigan Health Care Facility, located at 1031 Michigan Avenue in the City of Buffalo, on the head and face. The resident, identified only by his initials to protect his identity, is incapable of caring for himself as he suffers from Alzheimer’s disease and acute kidney failure.
Burton, a certified nurse aide employed by Highpointe, was allegedly witnessed slapping the resident on the left side of his head with an open palm during care. Once the care was complete, Burton was allegedly witnessed slapping the resident again in the face.
“Nursing home residents are among our state’s most vulnerable citizens and they, along with their families, should be assured of their safety and security in a nursing facility,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “We will not tolerate anyone being abused by those responsible for their care and my office will continue working to ensure that those most in need of help are safely cared for and treated with respect and dignity.”
Burton was charged with Endangering the Welfare of an Incompetent or Physically Disabled Person in the Second Degree, a class A misdemeanor, Wilful Violation of Health Laws, an unclassified misdemeanor, and Harassment in the Second Degree, a violation. The A misdemeanor charge carries a maximum jail term of one year. She was arraigned in Buffalo Court before Honorable Kevin J. Keane and entered a plea of not guilty.
The charges are merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
The case was investigated by Investigator Katie O’Neill, with assistance from Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) Buffalo Regional Supervising Investigator James Zablonski and MFCU Deputy Chief Investigator William Falk. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant Attorney General Thomas N. Schleif of the MFCU Buffalo Regional Office. Gary A. Baldauf is the Regional Director of the MFCU Buffalo Regional Office. Catherine Wagner is the Chief of Criminal Investigations-Upstate. The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit is led by MFCU Director Amy Held and Assistant Deputy Attorney General Paul J. Mahoney. The Division of Criminal Justice is led by Executive Deputy Attorney General Kelly Donovan.