River City, VA – Five staff members at Colonial Heights Rehabilitation and Nursing Center were arrested Wednesday, December 18, as part of an ongoing investigation into possible elder abuse and neglect at the facility. The arrests follow a months-long inquiry that began after a complaint was made regarding the care of a recently discharged patient, who later died.
The investigation was launched in October after the Colonial Heights Police Department received a report from the Virginia Department of Adult Protective Services (APS) concerning a patient from the facility. While the police probe was underway, the victim died, prompting further scrutiny into the circumstances surrounding their care. Detectives from the Colonial Heights Police Department, alongside investigators from the Office of the Attorney General’s Elder Abuse Task Force and the Virginia Department of Health Professions, have continued to investigate the case.
According to police, the joint investigation led to the discovery of significant evidence of abuse and neglect, as well as falsification of patient records. On Wednesday, investigators executed search warrants at the facility and arrested five staff members. The individuals taken into custody are:
- Christine Gentry, 33, of Franklin, charged with falsifying patient records.
- Shawanda Jeter, 46, of Richmond, charged with abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults, as well as resisting or obstructing the execution of legal process.
- Danyell Berberich, 48, of Dinwiddie County, charged with falsifying patient records.
- Katiema Booker, 32, of Petersburg, charged with falsifying patient records.
- Danielle Harris, 53, of Disputanta, charged with abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults.
In addition to the five arrests, authorities issued outstanding warrants for 13 other individuals, all of whom were reportedly involved in the investigation. Police have indicated that additional arrests and charges may follow as they continue to examine the facility and its operations.
The investigation into Colonial Heights Rehabilitation and Nursing Center remains ongoing, with law enforcement agencies working together to uncover the full extent of any mistreatment. Authorities have not yet disclosed the specific details surrounding the patient’s death or the extent of the alleged abuse.
The Colonial Heights Police Department, in a statement, assured the public that they are committed to ensuring accountability in the case and that further findings would be shared as the investigation progresses.
The case has drawn attention to the broader issue of elder care and the protection of vulnerable adults in nursing homes and rehabilitation centers. Investigators continue to urge anyone with information related to the case to come forward.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are emphasizing the importance of maintaining stringent oversight in healthcare facilities, particularly those responsible for the care of elderly and vulnerable individuals.
