In total, 8 residents at the National HealthCare nursing home and the Brookdale Senior Living-Grand Bristol nursing home in Bristol, Virginia were groped, fondled and sexually assaulted by nursing aide James W. Wright between July 2003 and May 2008. After Wright left the National HealthCare nursing home, he applied at Brookdale and passed the criminal background and job references checks.

Last week, the Virginia Board of Nursing suspended Wright’s nursing license. Later that day, a Bristol, VA grand jury indicted Wright on four counts of aggravated sexual battery following an seven-year long investigation by the Office of the Attorney General of Virginia from 2000 to 2007. Brookdale states that they were never notified of the 7 reported cases of sexual abuse committed by Wright during his time with NHC.

This case only reinforces the need for stricter regulations and background checks when it comes to the safety and care of our loved ones.