BERKELEY – Two Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) at a local Rehabilitation Facility have been arrested after assaulting and injuring one of the patients, officials said.
Dhenmark Francisco, 28, of Toms River, and Jovi Esperanza, 31, of Beachwood, were each charged with Aggravated Assault in connection with an incident that occurred in Berkeley Township.
On October 15, police were called to the Crystal Lake Rehabilitation Facility after a report of a patient who had been assaulted.
According to authorities, a 52-year-old male patient was assaulted by two CNAs – who were employed by the facility – at around 11:45 a.m. on October 14. The patient was taken to Community Medical Center in Toms River, and then transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Medical Center in New Brunswick for treatment of his injuries. He is listed in critical but stable condition, officials said.
Police later identified Francisco and Esperanza as the CNAs responsible. Francisco was taken into custody at the facility without incident and was brought to the Ocean County Jail, where he is presently lodged pending a detention hearing. Esperanza surrendered himself to Berkeley Township Police Headquarters; he was likewise transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Berkeley Township Chief of Police Kevin Santucci acknowledge the Berkeley Township Police Department and Berkeley Township Police Department Detective Bureau for their diligent efforts in connection with this investigation leading to the apprehension of Francisco and Esperanza.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
