The family of a resident at Arabella Health and Wellness Center in Grand Bay is suing the facility, claiming another resident sexually assaulted their loved one.
The victim suffers from Phelan-McDermid syndrome, causing her to be nonverbal.
The lawsuit claims staff were aware the other resident was entering the victim’s room to sexually gratify himself as early as August 2024 through January 2025.
The victim’s family claims they saw the other resident masturbating while looking into the victim’s room during a visit on Dec. 10, 2024. On Jan. 13, they received a call that a staff member entered the victim’s room and found the other resident in the victim’s bed, naked with an erection and touching the victim.
The lawsuit states the center tried to cover up the incidents and took actions to hide or destroy evidence. It further states the center did not contact the appropriate authorities concerning the sexual misconduct.
"Instead of immediately notifying the appropriate law enforcement and regulatory agencies, Defendants downplayed the incident, claiming that this resident was just trying to 'comfort' [the victim]," the lawsuit states.
The family is seeking compensatory and punitive damages.
When 1819 News called Arabella Health and Wellness Center for comment, an employee hung up.
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