Nursing Home Worker Accused of Snapping Pic of Patient's Privates Indicted

A nursing home worker and her friend accused of posting a Facebook photo of an elderly patient's genitalia were indicted Monday, the Attorney General's office announced.

Helien Williams, 26, a certified nursing assistant at CareOne at Livingston, and Michele Walker, 22, both of Newark, were formally charged with third degree conspiracy in a state grand jury indictment. Williams was also charged with two counts of third degree invasion of privacy, while Walker was hit with one count of third degree invasion of privacy.

Williams is accused of taking a photo of the patient's genitalia in January 2012 and sending it to Walker, who posted the picture on her Facebook page. Williams was fired from her position at CareOne at Livingston, an assistant living facility for senior citizens in Livingston.

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

Third-degree crimes carry a maximum sentence of five years in state prison and a criminal fine of $15,000.