Mercer Times

As the Attorney General’s Office and Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor (OIFP) prepare to observe World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced that three long-term care facility workers in Ocean and Camden Counties are facing criminal charges related to alleged mistreatment of elderly patients.

Joseph Robles, 23, of Tuckerton, and Maria Alcantara, 53, of Toms River, were named in a 10-count indictment returned by a State Grand Jury. Both defendants pleaded not guilty. In a separate case in Cherry Hill, Simone Goldsboro, 34, of Camden, was indicted by the State Grand Jury on aggravated assault charges.

Robles and Alcantara are suspected of neglecting and assaulting a patient at an Alzheimer’s care facility in Toms River between January 13 and January 15, 2023. The investigation revealed that they allegedly physically restrained and attempted to cause bodily injury to a 93-year-old patient while failing to perform required wellness checks.

In the Cherry Hill case involving Simone Goldsboro, she is accused of abusing a patient at a residential nursing home where she worked. Goldsboro allegedly sprayed bleach on the victim's body and face and injured her by roughly undressing her and pulling her hair.

“When we place our loved ones in the care of others, we rightfully expect that they will be treated with compassion, respect, and dignity,” said Attorney General Platkin. “Those placed in care facilities should not have to fear victimization. We have a duty to protect those who cannot protect themselves.”

Interim Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Al Garcia added: “We will not allow our elderly to be subjected to criminal abuse. Our loved ones deserve better.”

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is observed annually on June 15 to highlight elder abuse signs and forms. An estimated one in six people aged 60 or older suffer from some type of abuse.

To mark WEAAD this year, the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office will host an awareness walk on June 15 at Cooper River Park in Pennsauken from 9 a.m. to noon. The event aims to raise awareness about elder abuse among youth, families, and older adults.

Anyone interested can register online for the event. Suspected elder abuse can be reported via the Elder Abuse hotline at 609-292-1272.

New Jersey MFCU’s total funding for federal fiscal year (FY) 2024 is $12,133,805 with $9,100,356 awarded under a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; the remaining $3,033,449 is funded by New Jersey.

OIFP coordinates anti-insurance fraud activities statewide through its Medicaid Fraud Control Unit which protects Medicaid beneficiaries from fraud. Information about insurance fraud can be reported anonymously via OIFP's toll-free hotline or website.

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