Day Of Reckoning Set
For 3 Focus Suspects
Assistant AG: They Plead, Or He May
Seek Indictments From Grand Jury
FLY CREEK – How felony cases will go forward against three of four suspects in the Memorial Day Weekend neglect case at the Focus at Otsego nursing home may be decided Wednesday, Nov. 16, in Otsego Town Court, according to proceedings held here today.
One case, against Sarah Schuyler, 29, a certified nursing assistant, was held over until that date, when – possibly – a plea will be entered.
Two other suspects also charged with failing to provide care to a 94-year-old resident – they are Lorraine Caldwell, 54, Holland Patent, and Amanda Gus, 30, Hartwick – will also appear on the 16th, according to Assistant Attorney General Paul Clyne, who represented Attorney General Eric Schneiderman’s office in court.
However, Clyne said it is uncertain that any of the three suspects will actually plead guilty at that time, which may then cause him to appear before a grand jury to seek indictments.
Today, Town Justice Gary Kuch also scheduled a trial for Monday, Nov. 28, for a fourth suspect, Donna Gray, 48, Sidney, who is facing a misdemeanor count, not a felony count like the other three.
It is scheduled to begin Monday, Nov. 28. However, her lawyer, Dennis Laughlin, said a plea is on the table in that case as well, and may be resolved before the trial date.
The allegations – that the 94-year-old had been left in a chair for 41 hours, untended – shocked the county when Schneiderman announced the allegations on Aug. 2. The Focus facility had been county-owned Otsego Manor until the county Board of Representatives privatized the nursing home in 2015.
