Newark Residents Charged After Allegedly Posting Patient Picture to Facebook

Two Newark residents have been charged with invasion of privacy after allegedly posting a photo of a nursing home resident's genitalia on Facebook, Attorney General Jeffrey S. Chiesa announced Thursday.

Helien Williams, 26, and Michele Walker, 21, were charged via a complaint summons with third-degree invasion of privacy and third-degree conspiracy.

Williams, a certified nursing assistant who worked at with Walker, is accused of taking a picture of the elderly resident's genitalia with her cell phone and sending it to Walker, who supposedly posted the photo on Facebook. CareOne at Livingston, is an assistant living facility for senior citizens in Livingston.

Williams was terminated from her position at CareOne as a result of the alleged incident.

"The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit is not only committed to investigating and prosecuting Medicaid fraud but also to protecting the dignity of the beneficiaries which the program serves, who are often the most vulnerable members of our population," said Acting Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Ronald Chillemi. "No one should be made to suffer humiliation, particularly at the hands of someone responsible for his or her care."

Deputy Attorney General Dolores Blackburn, Sgt. Patricia Yellen and Detective Ronald Allen were assigned to the investigation.

Chillemi credited CareOne at Livingston with referring the incident to the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor and thanked the Livingston Police Department for their help in the investigation.

Third-degree crimes carry a maximum sentence of five years in state prison and a criminal fine of $15,000. The case will be presented to a state grand jury for potential indictment because the charges are indictable offenses.

– Staff reports