New York AG says Rome nurse struck and verbally abused nursing-home patient with dementia

ROME, N.Y. — A Rome nurse is accused of “striking and verbally abusing” a 94-year-old female nursing-home patient last summer.

Timothy Lambert, 35, is accused in the alleged incident at Bethany Gardens Skilled Living Center, a nursing home located at 800 West Chestnut St. in Rome, the office of New York State Attorney General (AG) Eric Schneiderman said in a news release issued Friday.

Lambert is alleged to have approached a 94-year-old female resident from behind, grabbed her by the forearms, and raised her arms above her head, Schneiderman’s office said. He then allegedly bent down, leaning into her neck, while still holding her arms and using profanity.

Lambert then let go of her arms, approached her from the front, and grabbed her hands, as described in the state AG’s release. Before he left the floor, he “put his finger in her face.”

The alleged victim was assessed and found to have a “fresh handprint-type bruise” on her left forearm, the release stated.

The alleged victim suffers from advanced dementia and osteoporosis. The entire incident, which allegedly occurred on July 7, 2015, was captured on video surveillance, Schneiderman’s office said.

Lambert is facing charges of endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person in the first degree and willful violation of health laws, according to the AG’s release.

He’s been arraigned in Rome City Court, where he entered a mandatory plea of not guilty and was released on his own recognizance.

Judge Gregory Amoroso set the next court appearance for May 16.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com