A Saint Cloud-based home health nurse, Nia Ayres, has been apprehended by authorities following allegations of severe abuse against a disabled young woman under her care. Ayres is facing charges of aggravated abuse of a disabled adult, a grave felony offense.
The victim’s mother, who is still reeling from the incident, described the situation as deeply unsettling. She disclosed that the abuse was recorded by their home security system, a sight that left her physically sick. Although she declined to appear on camera due to emotional trauma, she voiced her hope that publicizing her daughter’s experience might serve as a cautionary tale for others.
Ayres was arrested on a Wednesday evening. She is accused of abusing an 18-year-old quadriplegic woman who has cerebral palsy and is non-verbal. The victim’s mother contacted the police after discovering unexplained red scratches around her daughter’s mouth and eyes on May 3.
Chief Douglas confirmed the existence of explicit video evidence that documented the assault. The video reportedly shows Ayres committing cruel acts, such as taping the victim’s mouth shut and violently removing it, shaking her head and body, and interfering with her breathing equipment, which resulted in a nosebleed. The video also allegedly shows Ayres holding a washcloth over the victim’s mouth for prolonged periods.
According to the Department of Health records, Ayres has been a licensed practical nurse since 2021, with no prior complaints or disciplinary actions on her record. The victim’s mother, who had entrusted Ayres with her daughter’s care for over a year, now fears that there may have been previous incidents of abuse. She is currently reviewing past footage and vows to seek additional charges if more evidence of misconduct emerges.
Ayres was employed by two healthcare companies, both of which have been notified of the allegations. Chief Kirk of the Saint Cloud Police Department is calling on the public for any additional information and encourages other potential victims or those aware of any such incidents to step forward.
This case underscores the crucial need for vigilance and robust systems to safeguard vulnerable individuals from abuse.