Attorney General's News Release

October 13, 1999

Former nurse's aide arraigned on three felony counts of abuse filed by Nixon, New Madrid County P.A. Bock

Waynesville, Mo. — A former aide at a New Madrid nursing home was arraigned today on a three-count criminal complaint filed by Attorney General Jay Nixon and New Madrid County Prosecuting Attorney H. Riley Bock that charges the man with physically abusing two nursing home residents.

Michael C. Pearson (DOB - 4/15/76), of Risco, allegedly struck the residents with his fists and hands and grabbed them by the throat or neck during incidents that occurred between September and November 1998 while he was working as a nurse's aide at a New Madrid nursing home. Pearson, who no longer works at the nursing home, voluntarily surrendered today to sheriff's deputies.

Each of the three counts of abuse of a person receiving health care carries a maximum sentence of up to seven years and a $5,000 fine. The charges against Pearson are merely accusations and he is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Attorney General's Office has authority under state law to investigate and prosecute, both civilly and criminally, allegations of abuse and neglect of nursing home residents.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818