Associated Press – December 4, 2008 1:43 PM ET
ALBERT LEA, Minn. (AP) – Two teenage girls who worked at a Minnesota nursing home are charged with abusing patients there.
The girls, a 19-year-old and an 18-year-old, are accused of taunting, spitting on and groping residents who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease.
They worked as part-time aides at the home. Both have been charged as adults.
The father of 1 of the girls is disputing the charges. In a statement to NBC’s “Today” show, he says, “Much of this has been distorted by the news media.” He says his daughter was just “performing the duties of her job.”
Four other teens who worked with them are being charged as juveniles for allegedly failing to report the incidents.
According to the criminal complaint, the group reportedly gathered at work or school to “talk and laugh about the incidents.”
A prosecutor tells the Star Tribune newspaper of Minneapolis that if they’re found guilty, both teens would probably face suspended sentences and probation — meaning the possibility of jail if they get in more trouble.
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