BAYVILLE – A former nursing director admitted striking a 77-year-old rehabilitation center resident with a broom and attempting to prevent information about the assault from reaching investigators, state officials said.
Patricia Lindo-Ahono, 60, of Irvington, pleaded guilty before Superior Court Judge Guy P. Ryan in Ocean County to third-degree witness tampering and fourth-degree assault on an institutionalized elderly person.
Under the plea agreement, Lindo-Ahono will permanently surrender her nursing license. Prosecutors will recommend three years of probation without incarceration, along with anger management classes and 50 hours of community service. Her sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 30.
Authorities said Lindo-Ahono was serving as director of nursing at Crystal Lake Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Bayville when the assault occurred June 24, 2023. The resident was under the facility’s care when she struck him with a broom, according to court records and statements made during the plea hearing.
Lindo-Ahono also acknowledged trying to persuade another person to withhold details about the incident from investigators.
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said people living in care facilities should receive dignified and respectful treatment. She said Lindo-Ahono violated her responsibilities by assaulting a resident and trying to conceal what happened.
Acting Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Bernard J. Cooney said officials remain committed to holding caregivers accountable when vulnerable residents are abused and when efforts are made to hide that misconduct.
The Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit handled the investigation. Deputy Attorney General Camille McKnight is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by detectives Alyssa Singh and Daniel Creighton.
Suspected Medicaid fraud or elder abuse and neglect can be reported by calling 609-292-1272 or emailing NJMFCU@njdcj.org.
