Nursing Home Abuse News

Nursing Home Aide Convicted For Raping 90 Year-Old Resident Sentenced To 25 Years In Prison

Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the sentencing of William Morrison, a former aide at the Rome Memorial Hospital Residential Health Care Facility, who was convicted last month of raping and sexually assaulting a 90-year-old resident of the nursing home.

Morrison, 46, of Utica, was sentenced to 25 years in prison followed by 5 years’ post-release supervision for his conviction of Rape in the First Degree (a class B felony); 7 years in prison followed by 3 years’ post-release supervision for his conviction of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree (a class D felony); and 1 1/3-to-4 years in prison for his conviction of Endangering the Welfare of a Vulnerable Elderly Person (a class E felony). The sentences, which will run concurrently, were issued by Judge Michael L. Dwyer in Oneida County Court. Morrison was convicted of the three felonies on March 2 after a five-day trial before Judge Dwyer.

Morrison was an employee at Rome Memorial Hospital for several months before being transferred to the hospital’s affiliated 80-bed nursing home. The crime was committed approximately two weeks after the transfer. Rome Memorial Hospital Residential Health Care Facility intended to perform a criminal background check when Morrison was transferred, but it was not completed before he raped the elderly resident. The background check would have revealed that Morrison was previously convicted for one felony drug offense in 1992 and several misdemeanors in the 1990s. His last conviction was for a misdemeanor drug offense in 1999. oag.state.ny.us.

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	Did You Know?
	Anyone can report nursing home abuse and neglect. Anyone can and should report abuse and neglect. It is a violation of state and federal law for any person, including facility staff, volunteers, visitors, family members or guardians, or another resident, to abuse or neglect a resident. If you suspect abuse or neglect, or if a resident tells you they are experiencing this problem, it is important to believe the resident and report the allegation immediately. This will help prevent further suffering by any resident. Many states have laws that require the reporting of abuse and neglect. Find out what your state requires. Put your report in writing, date it, and keep a copy. Convey as much information as you can about the situation. Provide as much background information as possible. A thorough report will help the investigator to address the situation quickly.