No charges for Bremerton nursing home employees who took nude photos of residents

By LYNSI BURTON
Bremerton Patriot Staff Writer
February 11, 2010 · Updated 10:48 AM 

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Although state investigators will look into three Bremerton nursing home employees who were fired after taking nude photos of elderly residents, prosecutors won't pursue criminal charges.

"It appears to be a bunch of stupid behavior, but there's no apparent crime," said Chris Casad, Kitsap County deputy prosecutor.

Administrators at the Kitsap County Health and Rehabilitation Center reported the allegations to the Bremerton Police Department Jan. 27, claiming a licensed practical nurse and two nurses' aides took and sent crude cell phone pictures of elderly residents. Most residents have severe dementia, nursing home administrators told police.

The three suspects were since suspended and then fired. The case was forwarded to the prosecutor's office.

The state Department of Social and Health Services is conducting its own investigation on how the nursing home handled the incident, said Kathy Spears, agency spokeswoman. The investigation will take about 30 days.

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