FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 25, 2018) – Attorney General Andy Beshear and his Office of Medicaid Fraud and Abuse today announced the indictment of a Lee County man for physically assaulting a patient in his care.
Jason Brennan, 34, of Berea, was indicted in Lee County Circuit Court Jan. 19 on one count of knowingly abusing or neglecting an adult, a Class C felony. Brennan could face a possible prison sentence of 5 to 10 years if convicted.
Brennan worked as a caregiver at a group home for children and adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. It is alleged that on May 13, 2017, while providing care and supervision of residents, Brennan entered the adult resident’s room, held the resident against a wall by his neck and then slapped the resident across the face.
Arraignment is scheduled for Feb. 16, in Lee Circuit Court. A charge is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Beshear’s Office of Medicaid Fraud and Abuse investigated the case with assistance from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Department for Community Based Services, Adult Protective Services. The Office of Medicaid Fraud and Abuse is also handling the prosecution of the case.
“As attorney general, protecting our most vulnerable and seeking justice for those who have been exploited and abused is one of my top priorities,” Beshear said. “I applaud the effort from our Office of Medicaid Fraud for working to ensure patients suffering from abuse have a place to turn for help in protecting them from harm no matter the time, day or location.”
The Attorney General’s tip line for reporting allegations of patient abuse, neglect and exploitation is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week – 877-ABUSE-TIP. Adult Protective Services hotline is 800-752-6200.
