Medical Workers Charged For Abusing Psychiatric Patients

LIVONIA, MI — Six staff members of a local psychiatric ward are under fire after a group of three patients were reportedly attacked and left without help. The attack reportedly happened at Livonia COPE, an outreach facility located in the 33500 block of Schoolcraft Road for patients with psychiatric emergencies.

The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office announced today that four staff members are charged for attacking the three residents, ages 51, 48 ad 26. A staff psychiatrist from West Bloomfield and a nurse from Inkster were also charged for failing to report the abuse on the men.

Here’s a look at who is involved:

• Kyle Jackson, 30, of Oak Park, faces assault with intent to do great bodily harm by strangulation, four counts of vulnerable adult abuse third-degree, and two counts of assault and battery charges.
• Thomas May, 59, of Westland, faces one count of vulnerable adult abuse third-degree and one count of assault and battery charges.
• Wynton Dixon, 57, of Detroit, faces faces assault with intent to do great bodily harm by strangulation, two counts of vulnerable adult abuse third-degree, and one count of assault and battery charges. Dixon also is charged with failing to report the abuse of a mental health recipient.
• Demetris Hunt, 28, of Wayne, faces one count of vulnerable adult abuse third-degree and one count of assault and battery charges. Hunt also is charged with failing to report the abuse of a mental health recipient.
• Dr. Hanumaiah Bandla, 64, of West Bloomfield, is charged with failing to report the abuse of a mental health recipient.
• Nurse Erma Owens, 79, of Inkster, is charged with failing to report the abuse of a mental health recipient.

Defendant Jackson was arraigned July 11 and received a $5000/10% cash or surety bond. All other arraignments are scheduled for Thursday in 16th District Court in Livonia.

“The alleged abuse inflicted by these defendants is shocking,” Prosecutor Kym Worthy said in a statement. “The victims sought psychiatric help and were met with the opposite of help. We have to be much better than this. People that seek assistance deserve compassion, respect, and treatment that is beyond reproach.”

Image of Jackson via Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office

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