Lake Charles, LA — A disturbing incident involving a disabled patient and a home care worker is under investigation after security camera footage allegedly captured the worker pouring bleach into the patient’s drink and then telling him to consume it.
Reginald Wilson, 30, was reportedly working with the patient on Monday afternoon when the alleged incident occurred inside the Lake Charles home. Video shared by the patient’s family appears to show Wilson, dressed in black scrubs, taking a bottle into the kitchen before retrieving a container holding the cleaning substance.
According to police, Wilson poured liquid from the tank into a bottle, shook it and returned to the patient in the living room.
“Here, drink this,” Wilson allegedly told the man.
The patient’s family later confronted Wilson about what had happened, and police said he confessed to putting the cleaning substance into the bottle.
Security video captures alleged incident
The security footage became a key part of the family’s account of what happened inside the home.
According to the video described by authorities, Wilson first picked up the patient’s bottle and walked into the kitchen. He then allegedly took a tank containing bleach, poured some of the liquid into the bottle and shook the container before bringing it back.
The patient reportedly drank from the bottle and later told authorities that the drink tasted like bleach, according to WCTV.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged act remain under investigation. Authorities have not indicated from the information provided why Wilson allegedly put the cleaning product into the patient’s drink.
Wilson was working for Heaven on Earth, an organization that provides daily living assistance and personal care services.
Worker faces multiple charges
Lake Charles police said Wilson faces several criminal charges connected to the alleged incident.
Those charges include mingling harmful substances, cruelty to persons with infirmities and aggravated battery.
If convicted of the mingling harmful substances charge, Wilson could face up to two years in prison and/or a fine of up to $1,000, according to the information provided.
The other allegations could carry separate legal consequences, depending on how prosecutors proceed and the outcome of the case.
An accusation is not a conviction, and the charges against Wilson remain allegations unless proven in court.
Care provider removes worker after allegations
Heaven on Earth condemned the alleged conduct and said it acted after learning about the incident. The organization said the patient’s health and safety are its number one priority and that abuse is not tolerated.
The agency said it immediately removed Wilson from the situation and transported the patient to an emergency room for evaluation. It also said it was cooperating with local authorities and state agencies under its policies and procedures.
The organization did not provide additional details about the patient or the employee, citing HIPAA privacy requirements.
The response came as the patient’s family shared the security footage, bringing attention to the allegations and prompting further scrutiny of what occurred inside the home.
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Investigation continues after disturbing allegation
The case now rests with law enforcement and the legal process as investigators examine the video, witness accounts and other evidence.
For the patient’s family, the alleged incident has raised serious concerns about the treatment and safety of a vulnerable person receiving in-home care.
The footage and police allegations will likely remain central to the case as authorities determine what happened and prosecutors consider the charges against Wilson.
What do you think about the allegations in this disturbing case? Share your thoughts in the comments.