Former Illinois caregiver charged after elderly patient suffers severe burns from hot shower: AG
DUPAGE COUNTY - Criminal charges have been filed against a Glendale Heights woman accused of neglecting an elderly patient at a long-term care facility in Bensenville, resulting in serious injuries.
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul alleges the now-former caregiver failed to check the water temperature before placing the resident in a hot shower.
What we know:
Raoul’s office said the incident occurred in June 2024 at a Ray Graham Association (RGA) home in Bensenville. The facility serves individuals with disabilities or healthcare needs who require round-the-clock care.
According to Raoul, Darnitia Conner failed to test the water temperature before placing the elderly resident in a hot shower, leading to second-degree burns across most of the patient’s lower body.
Conner also allegedly tried to conceal the incident by failing to notify medical staff about the severity of the injuries.
What they're saying:
"Residents of long-term care facilities and community-based group homes rely on caretakers for their health and wellness," Raoul said in a statement. "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."
DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick praised the collaboration between local and state authorities that led to the charges.
"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 caregiver in a position of trust cause bodily harm to one of its residents because of willful abuse and neglect," Mendrick said.
What's next:
Conner, 58, was charged with multiple felonies, including three counts of abuse of a long-term care facility resident and two counts of criminal neglect, each carrying a potential five-year prison sentence.
She also faces one count of reckless conduct, which carries a penalty of up to three years in prison.
Conner has pleaded not guilty, and her next court appearance is scheduled for March 10.
The Source: The information in this article was provided by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul.