VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – A certified nursing assistant is accused of sexually abusing a patient with dementia at a DeBary rehab facility, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies said Roger Pratt, 72, was charged on Wednesday with sexual battery after a staff member reported seeing Pratt abusing a patient at DeBary Health & Rehab on N. Charles R. Beall Boulevard, allegedly kissing the victim twice with the curtain closed around the bed.
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According to a report, Pratt told administration personnel that he did kiss the patient “but noted he kisses a lot of his patients as he did not think much of the behavior.”
Deputies said the victim was interviewed and confirmed they were a patient of Pratt’s but could not recall the incident, which happened a few hours prior.
VITAS Healthcare released a statement in regard to the investigation.
“We are aware of the alleged incident and are fully cooperating with the officials’ investigation. We are also in close contact with Debary Health & Rehab and have initiated our own internal investigation. Patient care and safety are our highest priorities, and that focus remains at the forefront as we learn more,” they said.
The sheriff’s office said Pratt denied allegations of sexual abuse and was taken to the Volusia County jail where he was released on $15,000 bail.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone concerned about potential victims is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 386-668-3830.