TALLAHASSEE, FL– A caregiver has been taken into custody following an investigation into her abusing an elderly patient.
24-year-old Makala Malcolm was taken into custody on Tuesday despite the incident occurring almost a month ago.
The state’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit says that Malcolm dragged an adult with disabilities by the hair tearing out several of the victim’s braids and causing bleeding, redness, and a bald spot.
“This is appalling. Caregivers are supposed to nurture their patients, not rip out their hair,” Attorney General Ashley Moody, who’s running for reelection in November, said. “Thankfully, my Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigators and local law enforcement stopped this suspect before more harm could be done.”
Malcolm has been charged with abuse of an elderly or disabled adult.
The state will take over the prosecution.
She faces up to five years in prison and $5,000 in fines.