Homer C. Valdez, 35, an employee of Manassas Nursing Home and Rehab has been charged with 'object sexual penetration' of a 72-year-old resident at the facility.  Mr. Valdez's co-workers reported his behavior to police on May 27.

According to officials at Commonwealth Care, the parent company of Manassas, Valdez has been suspended from his position at the facility pending the outcome of the criminal case. Commonwealth Care officials would not reveal how long Valdez had worked at Manassas or the capacity in which he was employed.

"This is something that we take very seriously and he will not be back working until after an investigation by law enforcement and a subsequent trial is completed,” said David Tucker an administrator at Commonwealth Care.

In the meantime Valdez remains in custody without bond.  Read more about this sex crime at a Virginia nursing home here.

About Manassas Nursing Home

Manassas Nursing Home is a Virginia facility that is certified to care for 120 residents.  According to Medicare records, Manassas rates just one out of five stars when it comes to overall care provided to residents.  Commonwealth Care has managed the facility since December 2006 and employs about 100 people. Commonwealth also manages Gainesville Health and Rehab.

Violence In Nursing Homes By Employees

Nursing home residents have a right to live in an environment free from violence.  When it comes to providing a safe environment, nursing home owners and administrators must do sufficient background checks to assure the people they hire do not have criminal backgrounds.  

Additionally, nursing homes have a responsibility to supervise employees.  This generally means having an adequate number of other workers in the facility to provide random 'spot checks' of all employees.  Additionally, nursing homes must investigate every allegation of employee misconduct to assure the safety of other residents.  Nonetheless, if you suspect abuse of resident at a nursing home, report the incident to law enforcement officials immediately.  Do not let nursing homes do their own investigation on their own time and terms.