Elizabeth Thorpe-Saffa, 54, of Alexandria, pled guilty to neglect of an incapacitated adult, a Class 1 misdemeanor, for failing to adequately care for two male patients at Sunrise Assisted Living facility earlier this month. Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Krista Boucher handled the case.
“This is the first time we have used this relatively new law,” Boucher said. “We want to send a clear message that we are prepared to use this statute any time it is warranted. Neglecting an incapacitated adult who is in your care is against the law.”
The incident at Sunrise occurred on July 31. Police responded to a 911 call from a patient. When officers arrived, they could not get a response to the after-hours call button or to repeated phone calls. Officers finally entered the facility through an unlocked door and found staff, including Thorpe-Saffa, asleep inside. Police identified two victims, men ages 79 and 87.
Thorpe-Saffa is likely to be sentenced to jail time and no longer has a job at Sunrise. In court, her attorney also said Thorpe-Saffa would probably lose her license to provide healthcare services to the elderly.