Two former workers at a South Carolina care facility are facing neglect charges after authorities say a vulnerable adult was left strapped to a toilet for about an hour while a feeding tube leaked.
Angela Peterson, 46, and Sherika Myles, 41, were charged with neglect of a vulnerable adult following an investigation by the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division.
The alleged incident happened May 20 at the Coastal Regional Center in Summerville, about 25 miles outside Charleston.
At the time, Peterson was working as a registered nurse while Myles was employed as a direct support professional.
Authorities say the pair were responsible for caring for a vulnerable adult who had been secured to a toilet and had a gastrostomy tube, commonly known as a G-tube.
The tube, which is used to deliver food, fluids or medication directly into the stomach, was leaking.
According to court documents, Peterson allegedly knew about the problem and wrapped a towel around the tube in an effort to stop the leak.
But instead of getting immediate help, investigators say she waited until another nurse arrived for the next shift roughly an hour later.
During that time, the vulnerable adult allegedly remained strapped to the toilet.
Myles was reportedly supposed to check on the person every five minutes, but investigators say she failed to do so properly.
At some point, the individual apparently fell while still restrained.
Authorities say the person was eventually found squatting on the floor in front of the toilet while still strapped in.
SLED investigators said they interviewed witnesses and reviewed surveillance footage as part of the case.
Both Peterson and Myles were booked into the Dorchester County Detention Center and have since been released.
The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities said it was aware of the arrests and had requested the investigation.
The agency said it is cooperating with law enforcement and takes the safety of people in its care seriously.
The case remains under investigation.
