by A former certified nursing assistant (CNA) at a Luzerne County facility is facing assault charges following a disturbing incident involving an elderly patient.
Javier Lee Otero Jr., who worked at River View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Plains Township, is accused of violently retaliating during an altercation with an 86-year-old resident suffering from dementia.
According to witness statements, the patient—described as frail—allegedly “lunged” at Otero, attempting to punch and headbutt him. In response, Otero reportedly slammed the man against a wall, a move another CNA present believed was an excessive use of force.
The elderly patient was immediately taken for a full-body CT scan at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center to assess any potential injuries.
Rebecca Lang, the facility’s director of nursing, confirmed to authorities that Otero was terminated from his position and the incident was reported to the state health department for further investigation.
A preliminary hearing for Otero is tentatively scheduled for June 3. The case has drawn attention across Pennsylvania and neighboring states, including Wyoming, where healthcare oversight and elder protection laws are similarly under scrutiny.
