Virginia Nursing Home Worker Charged With Sexual Assault

Craig Hiawatha Jones, Sr. recently appeared in a Lynchburg, Virginia General District Court after being charged with sexually assaulting a patient at the Lynchburg Heath and Rehab facility. The alleged incident took place on August 28, 2010 when a patient at the nursing home and rehabilitation facility claimed that she awoke and found Jones touching her inappropriately.

According to a local Virginia news source, the Virginia Board of Nursing had conducted an informal investigation on February 17, 2011 regarding the nursing home patient’s abuse allegations. After hearing preliminary evidence on the matter, the Board decided to hold a formal hearing to determine whether abuse and neglect was present.

If the Board concludes that neglect or abuse occurred at the Lynchburg Health and Rehab Facility, Mr. Jones could be prohibited from holding another position in a long-term care facility in the future. Additionally, if convicted on the charges of aggravated sexual battery, he could face a criminal punishment of up to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $100,000. Mr. Jones was approved for a bond February 28, 2011. Subsequent hearings on the matter have not been scheduled but are predicted to take place sometime in May.