Convicted Sex Offender Pulls From His Old Bag Of Tricks While Assaulting Elderly Nursing Home Patient

Another convicted sex offender has acted out in a nursing home setting by assaulting another patient at the facility where he resides.  This incident reportedly occurred at Golden Living Center in Oakmont, PA.

Staff at the nursing home noticed Russell Gary Dettlinger fondling a female dementia patient at the facility in a common area used for watching television.

Mr. Dettlinger was immediately removed from the facility and charged with aggravated indecent assault  and indecent assault.  This is not a random act for Mr. Dettlinger as he was convicted of sexually assaulting a child in 1993.

Despite the wrinkles in Mr. Dettlinger’s record, Golden Living officials knowingly allowed him into their facility.  According to Golden Living Center Executive Director Ben Neil,

“In this instance, as with every potential new resident, we conducted stringent and standardized screenings before admitting the patient.  We identified this patient as being listed on the sexual offender registry and placed him under a special care plan.  Extra monitoring and other protective controls were put in place.”

Well, Mr. Neil, it really seems to me like your plan has failed miserably.  I’m sure the victim’s family will take comfort from the fact that you allowed this sexual deviant into your facility and allowed him access to disabled patients.  Perhaps your care policies need to be altered?

Related Nursing Home Law Center LLC Blog Entries:

Sexual Assaults In Nursing Homes, Not Exactly A Pleasant Topic– But Is An Issue That Needs Attention

Do Former Inmates Deserve To Be Living In Nursing Homes?