A Mercy employee in suburban St. Louis is facing a felony charge after a Creve Coeur police affidavit alleged he inappropriately touched a patient with advanced dementia who is unable to consent. Court filings identify the suspect as Tahj Kemper, and a grand jury has returned an indictment. Kemper is being held in the St. Louis County Jail on a $150,000 bond.
According to First Alert 4, Mercy confirmed the worker was employed by the health system and said he has since been terminated. In a statement provided to First Alert 4, Mercy said “the safety of our patients and caregivers is our top priority,” adding that the system notified the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services and has “initiated an internal investigation” while supporting law enforcement.
What police allege
The Creve Coeur police affidavit states that another employee reported seeing Kemper inappropriately touch the patient. Investigators noted in the document that the victim is in an advanced stage of dementia and is not capable of giving consent. The affidavit and indictment details were first brought to public attention on April 10 by First Alert 4.
Charges and legal penalties
Kemper is charged with first-degree sexual abuse, a serious felony under Missouri law. A conviction can carry a prison sentence that varies depending on the circumstances of the offense. The law governing first-degree sexual abuse and related crimes is found in the Missouri Revised Statutes, chapter 566; the Missouri Revised Statutes outline the relevant criminal provisions and potential penalties.
Mercy told First Alert 4 that it reported the allegations to state authorities and is cooperating with investigators. The St. Louis County court calendar will track the case as it moves forward. Authorities typically urge anyone with information to contact Creve Coeur police or the county prosecutor’s office. Families concerned about possible abuse in medical settings can also seek guidance from the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services.
