According to a Smithfield police report, two women in their 60s allegedly sexually abused their 89-year-old mother while visiting her at the Hebert Nursing Home in Smithfield.
A registered nurse at the facility and other nurse assistants told police they saw the women "(inappropriately touch and fondle) their mother's genital area ... on numerous occasions."
The witnesses claimed the nursing home wasn't doing anything about it. But eventually, the state Department of Health began an investigation, and so did the police.
In an audio recording, a nurse who claimed to be a witness to the abuse talks with the nursing home administrator to make sure the women were told they were seen allegedly abusing their mother.
Nurse: "Did someone say to them that that nurse reported that they saw inappropriate ... Do they know?
Administrator: "They know about touching the ..."
Nurse: "So, They know?"
Administrator: "Yes."
The lawyer for the nursing home told the I-Team that although officials don't admit that the allegations of sexual abuse are true, they did comply with a Health Department directive to retrain personnel to recognize abuse and do something about it.
"All staff was reeducated as to the definitions of abuse, neglect and mistreatment as well as reporting time frames and procedures," a Health Department report said.
The case was reviewed by the attorney general's office.
"At this time, there is insufficient evidence to prosecute. However, if new evidence comes to light we would review the case again," a representative said.
The I-Team talked with one of the women, who said she and her sister deny the allegations.
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