Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced charges against a suburban DuPage County caregiver over an incident at a community-based home that resulted in an older resident sustaining second-degree burns to a majority of her lower body.
Raoul’s office charged Darnitia Conner, 58, of Glendale Heights, Illinois, with three counts of abuse of a long-term care facility resident, each Class 3 felonies punishable by up to five years in prison; two counts of criminal neglect of a long-term care facility resident, each Class 3 felonies punishable by up to five years in prison; and one count of reckless conduct, a Class 4 felony punishable by up to three years in prison. Sentences are ultimately determined by the court. Conner pleaded not guilty to all charges, and her next scheduled court date is March 10.
“Residents of long-term care facilities and community-based group homes rely on caretakers for their health and wellness. All Illinois residents deserve to be safe in their homes, and it is appalling that any caretaker would cause serious harm to an elderly or vulnerable patient in their care,” Raoul said. “I will continue to partner with local law enforcement to protect Illinois seniors and people with disabilities and hold individuals who abuse them accountable.”
Attorney General Raoul’s office alleges Conner was a caregiver at a Ray Graham Association (RGA) home located in Bensenville, Illinois in June 2024 when she failed to test the water temperature prior to placing a resident in a hot shower. According to Raoul’s office, the hot water caused second-degree burns to a majority of the resident’s lower body. Conner allegedly attempted to conceal the incident, failing to notify staff and medical personnel to the severity of the injuries. Residents of RGA community-based homes may have disabilities or health care needs that require 24-hour support from trained staff.
The DuPage County Sheriff’s Office assisted in investigating the case.
"This successful indictment could not have taken place without the hard work and collaboration of DuPage County Patrol Deputies, Forensic Investigations Unit, Investigations and the State of Illinois Attorney General Office Investigators,” said DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick. “The case brought before the Grand Jury was the result of hours of investigation and interagency cooperation between the Sheriff’s Department and Attorney General’s Office. The Sheriff’s Department takes the health, safety, and well-being of all the residents of DuPage County seriously. It was especially disturbing to find a care giver of The Ray Graham Association, in a position of trust, cause bodily harm to one of its residents because of willful abuse and neglect. The Sheriff’s Department would like to thank the Attorney General’s Office for offering their resources and assistance to bring this case to trial."
The public is reminded that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Deputy Chief of Medicaid Prosecutions Steven Krueger handled the case for Raoul’s Medicaid Fraud Unit.
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