State investigating molestation claims at local nursing home

The New York State Department of Health is looking into allegations that a former administrator at Emerald South Nursing and Rehabilitation Center molested a patient.

A health department spokesperson tells 7 Eyewitness News the department is aware of claims that the assistant director of nursing was fired after being caught touching a resident inappropriately. In a separate incident, the same administrator allegedly bit a resident. 

"We are aware of these allegations and we are investigating. As this remains an active investigation, we cannot comment further," said health department spokesperson Jeffrey Hammond. 

Emerald South has already been under investigation by the state health department for two recent incidents involving the deaths of residents.

In June, 87 year-old William Strasner fell to his death after police say he tried to escape from a third-floor window. 

In August 2016, 83 year-old Ruth Murray died after she was attacked by a male patient in the facility's dementia unit. 

Anyone who has a complaint or concern about nursing homes in New York State can call the Centralized Complaint Intake at 1-888-201-4563. All complaints are confidential. 

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