BRADENTON — Two Manatee women are set to stand trial on unrelated charges that they abused elderly patients in their care.
One of the caregivers, 27-year-old Shamara Daniels, of Bradenton, is set to go on trial Thursday for allegedly abusing a 98-year-old woman in her care at Freedom Village in July 2008. The other caregiver, Lakreasha Cunningham, 21, of Bradenton, is set to have her day in court next week. She is charged with abuse of an elderly person stemming from a July 16 attack on a 76-year-old woman at Westminister Pines Assisted Living Center.
Lawyers in Daniels’ case seated a jury Tuesday. Opening statements are expected Thursday morning, said Assistant State Attorney Darlene Ragoonanan, who is prosecuting the case.
Daniels, charged with one count of battery of a victim older than age 65, faces up to five years in prison if convicted.
The Bradenton Police Department arrested Daniels in July after an investigation revealed the bruises on a patient in her care were signs of abuse, officers said.
According to a police report, Daniels, a certified nursing assistant, told officers she was trying to stop the patient from trying to bite her May 26, 2008. She also said the patient spit on her.
The report describes the victim as having bruises, a bite mark on her hand, scratches on her forehead and two bruised eyes.
Daniels’ attorney, Assistant Public Defender Doris Kail, could not be reached for comment Tuesday afternoon.
Two days after the reported attack, Daniels was fired, according to Kevin Parker, who was executive director of Freedom Village at the time. Parker said Daniels passed a full criminal background check and drug screening before being hired in March 2008. She regularly delivered meals and bathed residents requiring skilled nursing care. Parker also said there were no prior incidents involving Daniels.
Cunningham is set for trial next week, said Assistant State Attorney Tony Casoria. She also faces up to five years in prison if convicted of abusing an elderly person.
Cunningham is a former employee at Westminister Pines Assisted Living Center who sheriff’s deputies say pinched and punched a 76-year-old woman in the stomach and arms multiple times in July.
A Manatee County Sheriff’s Office report states that at the time of the attack, Cunningham had worked at the center for about three months.
The report indicates that the victim struck Cunningham in the stomach while Cunningham was trying to dress her.
A witness told deputies that Cunningham got upset, then hit the victim.
“How do you like it?” Cunningham reportedly yelled at the victim. “How does that feel?”
Her lawyer, D. Scott Rieth, said there is no physical evidence his client struck the victim.
“The people who do what they do should be sainted,” said Rieth.
“They care for people who spit on them and hit them. It’s a very difficult work environment. However, my client adamantly denies ever getting physical with the patient.”
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