Authorities say a 24-year-old home health nurse has been arrested and charged with a felony after home surveillance footage allegedly showed the abuse of an 18-year-old disabled woman in Florida. The victim is non-verbal and has cerebral palsy, making her unable to report harm or defend herself, police said.
The case came to light after the victim’s mother noticed unexplained cuts and scrapes on her daughter’s face earlier this month. Concerned, she reviewed security camera footage inside the home and contacted police after seeing what she believed was mistreatment. Investigators said the video played a key role in obtaining an arrest warrant.
The nurse, identified as Nia Ayers, turned herself in to the St. Cloud Police Department on May 7. She has been charged with aggravated assault of a disabled person, a felony reflecting the victim’s vulnerability. She was being held in the Osceola County jail without bond at the time of reporting.
Police say Ayers had worked with the family for more than a year and are reviewing additional footage to determine if other incidents occurred. Authorities are also asking other families who may have interacted with her to come forward as the investigation continues.
