AG Gansler Secures Conviction in Nursing Home Assault
Employee admits guilt in abuse of elderly Baltimore resident

Baltimore, MD ( Nov. 16, 2012) - Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler announced today that Tarslia Jackson, 39, of Baltimore, was found guilty of one count of assault in the second degree in the District Court for Baltimore City for abusing an elderly resident at a Baltimore nursing home. Judge Christopher L. Panos granted probation before judgment and placed the defendant on one year of supervised probation, during which Jackson is not permitted to work with vulnerable adults. Jackson was also ordered to pay court costs and make a $35 contribution to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund.

"Marylanders who are placed in the care of others deserve to be treated with dignity and respect," said Attorney General Gansler. "Our most vulnerable adults - and their families - should know that this office stands with local law enforcement to protect them from abuse."

On August 15, 2012, Jackson, an employee of Northwest Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on Pall Mall Road in Baltimore, pushed and slapped a 71-year-old female resident of the center following a verbal disagreement that took place in the activity room. Another employee witnessed the incident. The victim did not sustain a visible or serious injury.

In mitigation, Jackson, who had no prior record of arrests or convictions, offered a tearful apology to the victim, who was present in court for the proceedings.

In making the announcement, Attorney General Gansler thanked Assistant Attorney General Stephen Roscher, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit Investigator Dean Brewer and the Baltimore City Police Department for their work on the case.