A former neonatal intensive care unit nurse at a Virginia hospital has been charged in connection with mysterious injuries sustained by newborns. Authorities warned that several infants had sustained suspicious injuries in the hospital's neonatal intensive care unit.
On Thursday, Erin Elizabeth Ann Strotman, 26, of Chesterfield County, Virginia. arrested and was charged with felony counts of aggravated assault and child abuse. If convicted, Strotman faces up to 10 years in prison for the felony child abandonment charge and up to 20 years in prison for the aggravated assault charge, Henrico County Commonwealth's Attorney Shannon Taylor said.
“They strictly failed on multiple levels for multiple different families.”
This was announced by the Henrico County Police Department. statement it is”We will utilize all available resources to ensure a thorough investigation of this matter, including “reviewing dozens of videos from within the NICU.”
Police are investigating an incident that allegedly occurred on Nov. 10 in the NICU at Dr. Henrico Hospital in Richmond. Authorities have not released the name of the alleged victim or the nature of his injuries.
But officials said there could be a large number of casualties.
Henrico Doctors Hospital stated: statement“There is an ongoing investigation into the fracture sustained by our NICU patient.”
The hospital emphasized that the person arrested was a “former employee.”
“We are shocked and saddened by the developments in this investigation and remain committed to continuing to care for our patients and provide support to our colleagues who have been deeply personally affected by this investigation. ” reads the hospital statement. “We are grateful to our colleagues who have dedicated their professional lives to patient care and safety, and to the law enforcement and other agencies who actively and tirelessly cooperated with this investigation.”
Strotman was booked into the Henrico County Western Jail and was being held without bail. She is scheduled to appear in court on March 24.
Although Strotman was only charged in one case, the Henrico County Sheriff's Office said, “Detectives are reinvestigating incidents from 2023 and 2024 as part of this broader investigation.” Ta.
of new york times The investigation was launched after three infants were found with “unexplained fractures” in the neonatal care unit of Henrico Doctors Hospital between late November and December last year, it said.
As for Henrico Doctors Hospital, law and crime reported that a similar incident involving four infants occurred in 2023.
One of the infants said to have sustained suspicious injuries in 2023 was Noah Huckey. Dominic Hackie, the newborn's father, said: WTVTR-TV Noah and his twin, Mika, were born prematurely at the same hospital in August 2023 and spent time together in the NICU.
Hackie told the magazine that Noah had discoloration on his left leg when he was about two weeks old, and X-rays showed he had a fractured tibia.
The family filed a report with Child Protective Services.
Child Protective Services said in a letter that Noah suffered Level 1 physical abuse “from Henrico Doctors Hospital NICU staff.”
level 1 physical abuse Contains “An actual or threatened injury or condition that results in, or is likely to result in, serious harm to a child.”
Hackey said, “They strictly failed on multiple levels to multiple different families. That shouldn't happen, so they need to take responsibility as well. If they suspect enough to let someone go… They shouldn't have done it if they had.” It was simple to bring them back, but they failed. ”
Henrico Police Chief Eric D. English said, “We appreciate the patience of the families and the public as we investigate all evidence related to these incidents as thoroughly and expeditiously as possible. We also appreciate the tireless efforts of our police department. I would like to thank you.” To the detectives who continue to review hundreds of hours of footage, Henrico Child Protective Services (Department of Social Services), the Henrico County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office, the Virginia State Police, the Virginia Department of Health, and the Attorney General's Office regarding this matter. Thank you for your cooperation. ”
Anyone with information about incidents that may be related to this case should contact Henrico Police Detective M. Lynch at police@henrico.gov or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 804-780-1000. We encourage you to submit your information.
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