An employee at the Lake Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility in Dunedin has been taken into custody after allegations surfaced that he physically abused two disabled residents under his care. Nicholas Brown, 35, a Certified Nursing Assistant from St. Petersburg, faces charges for the mistreatment of individuals who were both non-verbal and unable to effectively communicate their ordeal. The incidents reportedly occurred on December 23, 2024, but Brown was only apprehended over two weeks later. His arrest was confirmed on Tuesday, with the charges specified as two counts of abuse or neglect of an aged or disabled person, WFLA reports.
The investigation began swiftly after a fellow employee claimed to have witnessed Brown to strike the victims multiple times on their sides, legs, and buttocks with force. One of the victims is described as suffering from a traumatic brain injury, while the other is a quadriplegic with intellectual disabilities, as detailed by Pinellas County deputies and shared by WTSP. Following the allegations, both men were evaluated and treated at the facility for injuries deemed non-life-threatening.
Following the incident, the employer's response was to immediately terminate Brown's employment. The offending employee was then booked into the county jail. Information on bail or court dates has not been made public. The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, continuing their investigation, has issued a plea for any additional information that may be relevant to the case or other potential victims. They have encouraged individuals with insights to contact Corporal Antonio at this number: (727) 582-6722, further according to FOX 13 News.
Anyone with further information regarding Brown's case or additional victims is urged to step forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.
