State fines Chenoa nursing home, police probe abuse case there

Posted on July 18, 2017

 

The Illinois Department of Public Health said it has fined Meadows Mennonite Home in Chenoa $25,000 for allegedly failing to protect six residents from a staff member who took photos and videos of them. Authorities said the images, some showing partial nudity, were posted on social media. (Photo from Glassdoor.com)

 

By Howard Packowitz

CHENOA – A state agency has fined a Chenoa nursing home, and local police are conducting a criminal investigation of people allegedly tied to the abuse of residents there.

The Illinois Department of Public Health said it has fined the Meadows Mennonite Home $25,000 for not protecting six residents from a staff member, who mentally abused and humiliated the residents.

According to the state, the staff member took unauthorized pictures and video, some with partial nudity, and posted the images on social media.

The health department claims Meadows knew about the unauthorized pictures, but did not report the matter to authorities.

The Meadows home is requesting a hearing on the health department’s findings.

Meantime, McLean County State’s Attorney Jason Chambers confirmed the sheriff’s department is investigating allegations of criminal conduct in the case.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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