South Jersey Group Home Under Scrutiny After Resident Allegedly Left on Floor for Hours
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
TRENTON, NJ – The sanctity of care facilities is under intense focus as New Jersey authorities announce serious charges against a Pennsylvania-based group home operator and several employees. Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) have confirmed that Elwyn Pennsylvania Delaware Inc. (Elwyn), which operates the Strathmore Group Home in Vineland, NJ for intellectually disabled adults, and multiple staff members have been indicted for the alleged neglect and abuse of an elderly resident.
This case underscores a commitment from the state to ensure the safety and dignity of vulnerable residents in institutionalized settings.
“The behavior described in the indictment goes beyond mere neglect. We will not allow conduct like this in our care facilities,” stated Attorney General Platkin.
The Allegations: Failure to Act After Repeated Falls
The indictment details two separate, alarming incidents involving the victim, identified as “S.K.,” a resident at the Strathmore Group Home in April 2023.
| Incident Date | Alleged Neglect | Key Defendants Charged |
| April 13, 2023 | S.K. fell and was allegedly not checked for injuries or assisted to her feet for over three hours. | DeShay Dickson, Michele Beirne, Brenda Hichens Torres |
| April 15, 2023 | S.K. fell again and allegedly remained on the floor for nearly seven hours without adequate assistance or checks. | DeShay Dickson, Gwendolyn Singletary |
Furthermore, the indictment alleges that the corporate entity, Elwyn, along with its Director of Operations, Inkie Mars, and Clinical Director, Bryan F. Firlein, failed to implement proper policies and protocols that could have prevented these incidents or ensured immediate remediation.
Legal Action and Accountability
Multiple defendants have been arraigned on charges including neglect of an elderly or disabled person (third-degree) and conspiracy. One staff member, Gwendolyn Singletary, faces an additional charge of assault on an institutionalized person (fourth-degree).
One defendant, Michele Beirne, was admitted into Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI), agreeing to 100 hours of community service and a permanent ban from working with vulnerable populations.
- Serious Penalties: Third-degree charges carry penalties of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
- Zero Tolerance: “The neglect and abuse alleged here are more than unacceptable, they are criminal,” asserted Interim Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Al Garcia.
Protecting the Vulnerable: How to Report Abuse
This prosecution by the Office of Insurance Fraud Prosecutor (OIFP) highlights the critical importance of holding both institutions and individuals accountable when they fail their duty of care.
If you suspect Medicaid fraud or elder abuse and neglect in New Jersey, your report can make a difference.
📞 Report Suspected Abuse or Fraud:
- Online: Use the Medicaid Fraud or Elder Abuse & Neglect Reporting Form
- Phone: Call (609) 292-1272
- Email: Contact [email protected]
(Note: All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.)
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