Three Long-Term Care Facility Employees Indicted in Elder Abuse Cases

Three Long-Term Care Facility Employees Indicted in Elder Abuse Cases in Ocean and Camden Counties; Charges coincide with AG’s World Elder Abuse Awareness Day initiatives.

NEW JERSEY - As World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) approaches, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced indictments against three long-term care facility workers in Ocean and Camden Counties. The charges include assault on an institutionalized elderly person and stem from alleged mistreatment of patients under their care.

Key Details:

• Who: Joseph Robles, 23, of Tuckerton; Maria Alcantara, 53, of Toms River; and Simone Goldsboro, 34, of Camden.
• What: Indicted on charges including neglect, criminal restraint, assault, and aggravated assault.
• When: The alleged incidents occurred between January 13 and January 15, 2023, for Robles and Alcantara; the date of the incident involving Goldsboro is not specified.
• Where: An Alzheimer’s care facility in Toms River for Robles and Alcantara, and a residential nursing home in Cherry Hill for Goldsboro.
• Why: Alleged physical and emotional abuse of elderly patients in their care.
• How: Investigations revealed physical restraint, failure to conduct wellness checks, and physical abuse involving bleach and rough handling.

Case Details:

Robles and Alcantara are accused of physically restraining and injuring a 93-year-old patient at a Toms River Alzheimer’s care facility. They allegedly neglected to perform mandatory wellness checks but falsely documented them as completed. In a separate case, Goldsboro is charged with spraying a patient’s body and face with bleach, roughly undressing her, and pulling her hair, causing or attempting to cause serious injury.

All defendants have pleaded not guilty.

“When we place our loved ones in the care of others, we rightfully expect that they will be treated with compassion, respect, and dignity,” said Attorney General Platkin. “Those placed in care facilities should not have to fear victimization. We have a duty to protect those who cannot protect themselves, and we will advocate for them and prosecute those who exploit and mistreat vulnerable members of our society.”

“We will not allow our elderly to be subjected to criminal abuse. Our loved ones deserve better,” said Interim Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Al Garcia. “Criminal cases like these send a clear message that anyone who would harm and neglect individuals who need and deserve proper care and assistance will be brought to justice.”

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day:

WEAAD, observed annually on June 15, aims to raise awareness about elder abuse. This year, the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office will host a "WEAAD Awareness Walk" on June 15, 2024, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Cooper River Track in Pennsauken. The event features a one-mile walk to promote elder justice and educate the public about signs of abuse. Local agencies will provide resources and support for seniors, with music and giveaways to engage attendees.

Statistics and Support:

Elder abuse affects an estimated one in six people aged 60 or older, encompassing psychological, physical, financial, and sexual abuse, along with neglect. Many cases go unreported due to fear or embarrassment.

To report suspected elder abuse, contact the Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Financial Exploitation hotline at 609-292-1272. For more information on WEAAD and to register for the awareness walk, visit NJ Attorney General's WEAAD Page.

Legal Implications:

• Joseph Robles and Maria Alcantara: Facing a 10-count indictment.
• Simone Goldsboro: Indicted on aggravated assault charges.

These charges underscore the Attorney General’s commitment to protecting vulnerable populations and holding perpetrators accountable.