Suspect in nursing home drugging deaths takes plea, will testify against two others
| Tuesday, Aug 18 2009 05:18 PM
Last Updated Tuesday, Aug 18 2009 06:09 PM
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Casey Christie / The Californian Gwen D. Hughes, (CQ) during her arraignment with her attorney, Bruce Blythe, right, Friday, in Bakersfield. (CQ)
Casey Christie / The Californian Dr. Hoshang Pormir, (CQ) in court Friday during his arraignment. (CQ)
Debbi Hayes, left, with her attorney Phyllis Hix, during Hayes' arraignment Friday.
One of three defendants charged with over drugging patients at a nursing home, resulting in three deaths, has accepted a plea bargain that involves testifying against the others.
Debbi Gayle Hayes, a former pharmacist at a Lake Isabella nursing facility, has agreed to help prosecute the nursing director and a doctor.
The cases of Gwen D. Hughes and Dr. Hoshang M. Pormir were delayed Tuesday to Sept. 8 when further hearings will be scheduled.
All three worked at the Kern Valley Healthcare District's skilled nursing facility until they were arrested in February on charges of elder abuse and causing harm or death.
The California Attorney General's Office alleged the trio played a role in drugging at least 22 elderly residents with mood-altering medications to quiet and control them. Those drugs led to three deaths, the state alleged.
Hayes pleaded no contest last week to conspiracy to obstruct justice. She was sentenced to three years probation and one year in jail, but the jail sentence won't be imposed if she cooperates truthfully in the case and completes her probation with no further problems.
Ten other counts against her were dismissed in the plea bargain.
