TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Home health assistance has been accused of abusing an 86-year-old disabled woman he was caring for.
NBC affiliate WTVJ reported that 39-year-old Juan Jose Romero Ruiz was arrested Wednesday and faces charges of sexual and lightly abuse of a elderly disabled person.
The family told police that the victim had dementia and poor short-term memories. The family hired Lewis, who worked in home care for a beloved family based in Pembroke Pines, to meet the basic needs of women, such as cleaning and dating.
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WTVJ reported that Lewis began working for the victims on Tuesday. The arrest report said the victim’s grandson checked surveillance footage and saw Lewis abusing her grandmother.
He immediately warned the family of the incident. He also called Lewis’s company and demanded that Lewis be taken out of the house.
Police said the grandson also found footage the day before, when Lewis, who was sexually abusing the victim.
“The fact that this guy acted on his impulses is that there is no better word, so within hours of arriving at home, at least to me, this probably won’t do this,” said Anthony Bruno, the victim’s family lawyer.
Officials said Lewis was taken into custody at the company’s Pembroke Pines office. He is held without bonds at the Broward County Jail and is on immigration hold.
“My understanding is that (the victim) is on track and we are taking everything into consideration. I can’t advise us if she can fully understand what happened, given her condition,” Bruno said. “The family is clearly traumatized.”
Home Care for Beloved Family told the news station it is fully cooperating with law enforcement officials.
“We are both saddened and shocked about this extremely unfortunate situation. For the past 12 years, as community agents, we have worked so hard and have always strived to provide the best care to our members.
The Sunrise Police Department said it is determining whether there are additional casualties. Anyone who has received similar experiences or additional information will be asked to call the police at 954-746-3499.
