Nurse Convicted Of Sexually Abusing Patient At Rochester Nursing Home

Attorney General Spitzer today announced that a licensed practical nurse has been convicted after trial of molesting a bedridden female patient at Monroe Community Hospital (SNF) last June.

Following a three-day jury trial, Michael Edwards, 46, of 35 Nile Drive in Irondequoit, was found guilty as charged yesterday of first-degree sexual abuse and wilful violation of health laws. Monroe County Court Judge Richard A. Keenan, who presided at trial, set sentencing for May 5, 2005. Edwards faces up to seven years in prison.

Evidence at trial established that Edwards partially disrobed a 31-year-old female patient and fondled her genitals. The victim, who had suffered brain damage as a result of a car accident, was unable to speak, move or consent in any way.

Edwards was employed at Monroe Community Hospital, located at 435 East Henrietta Road in Rochester, from June 5, 2000 to June 25, 2004, when he was terminated as a result of the incident. Edwards was indicted in September 2004.

Spitzer thanked the state Department of Health for referring the matter to his office. He also thanked the administration and staff of Monroe Community Hospital for its assistance and cooperation during the investigation.

Special Assistant Attorney General Jerry M. Solomon, Director of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit’s Rochester Regional Office, prosecuted the case. Senior Special Investigators William A. Falk and Robert Andrews, and Sgt. Arthur Vasile, of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department assisted in the investigation.