March 19, 2024

CNA pleads not guilty to adult abuse

A Newton woman accused of abusing an adult woman under her care at a local nursing home has pleaded not guilty to dependent adult abuse.

Jacki L. Owens, 33, entered the plea on the serious misdemeanor charge and waived her right to a speedy trial last week.

Owens was working as a CNA at Newton Health Care Center last August when police say she shoved the victim into a bed rail and grabbed her arm and leg. The victim sustained bruises on the evening of Aug. 27 and into Aug. 28., according to a police report.

The victim also complained she was propped up on her side and left in that position, which is painful to her due to a history of fractures. The victim said she did not say anything that night because she was afraid Owens would come back, according to the report.

Heidi Ramaeker Pearson, community liaison director at Newton Health Care Center, said Owens was immediately suspended when the abuse allegation was brought forward. Further, the director of nursing promptly reported the incident to the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals, which began an investigation. Once the investigation concluded, Owens was terminated based on the findings, she said. Newton Police charged Owens on March 3.

“At Newton Health Care Center, our most important responsibility is to care for our residents and keep them safe,” Pearson said. “It is a privilege to care for our residents, and we understand the trust families place in our staff to meet residents’ needs.”

A pretrial conference is scheduled for May 27.

Contact Abigail Pelzer at 641-792-3121 ext. 6530 or apelzer@newtondailynews.com