NOPD Fourth District officers have arrested in an elder abuse case following a wellness check. Nona Burton, a 65-year-old Black female, faces allegations of mistreating older individuals in what appeared to be an unlicensed group home operating under substandard conditions in the 3900 block of Sullen Place, the New Orleans Police Department reported yesterday.
Officers who arrived on the scene around 10:50 a.m. discovered multiple elderly residents living in the facility, which lacked proper licensing and was found to be in poor condition, prompting the response from authorities; subsequently, Burton was taken into custody on five counts of cruelty to persons with infirmities. The NOPD's prompt intervention brought to light the hidden struggles of those who, because of age or condition, often remain unseen and unheard within the shadows of society.
Three of the victims required medical attention and were transported by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to a local hospital, while another was relocated to a different medical facility, and one had previously been admitted to a hospital. NOPD's report details these immediate actions taken for the well-being of the individuals affected.
Burton's arrest serves as a reminder that the curtain of a home's facade can hide layers of neglect and abuse, that even those tasked with the care of our society's most vulnerable members can falter and fail in their duties. While the investigation continues, NOPD is urging anyone with further information to step forward and contact their Fourth District detectives, as every piece of knowledge may contribute to the mosaic of justice.
According to the New Orleans Police Department, all persons should be considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Meanwhile, members of the community who wish to provide information anonymously may contact Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans. The NOPD’s appeal to the public aims to strengthen community safety, ensuring that such abuses do not go unchecked and that those responsible are held accountable.
