By: Richard L. Smith
A state grand jury has indicted Patricia Lindo-Ahono, 59, of Irvington, on charges that she assaulted a resident at an Ocean County rehabilitation center and then tried to cover it up.
The charges, announced by Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin along with the Division of Criminal Justice and the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor, include aggravated assault, neglect of an elderly or disabled adult, tampering with witnesses, falsifying records, and assault on an institutionalized elderly person.
Authorities said the incident happened on June 24, 2023, inside Crystal Lake Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Bayville.
A nurse recorded video allegedly showing Lindo-Ahono striking a resident with a broom, leaving the victim bleeding. The footage also captured her making a threatening remark.
Prosecutors allege Lindo-Ahono later filed a false report, claiming the resident had tried to scratch her with a razor. Staff members on duty at the time told investigators they never saw a weapon.
Officials also say she instructed staff not to call police and falsely reported that state agencies had been notified.
The case drew further scrutiny when the video became public, leading the Berkeley Township Police Department and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit to investigate. 
During the probe, prosecutors allege Lindo-Ahono tried to influence a staff member’s memory of the incident.
State officials said the allegations are deeply troubling and vowed to hold accountable anyone who endangers vulnerable residents in care facilities.