New Victim of Alleged Pill Theft at Metro Atlanta Senior Living Facility Speaks Out

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Melanie Spiller recently celebrated her mother Martha’s 101st birthday at the Oaks at Suwanee Creek, where she has lived for three years.

“She’s still mentally with it,” Spiller said. “I know she doesn’t have forever. I realize his days are limited, but I wish they were happier.

Spiller said she just learned her mother’s former nurse was accused of stealing prescription drugs from her and other residents.

“Very betrayed. And they feel betrayed, so do the residents,” Spiller said.

The Suwanee Police Department launched an investigation and arrested Terri Howell, a nurse at the facility, and charged her with multiple counts of cruelty and obtaining a controlled substance by deception.

RELATED: Nurse accused of stealing prescription drugs from seniors

According to a police press release, Martha had 48 opioid painkillers stolen. A former employee who did not wish to be identified also spoke.

“It’s a God who calls me. And I would still be there, except I could no longer tolerate the things I saw in the industry. It broke my heart to see what was happening to our seniors,” said the former Oaks at Suwanee Creek employee.

Atlanta News First contacted Oaks headquarters in Suwanee Creek, and they said that after learning of the incident, they immediately placed the nurse on administrative leave and then terminated her.

They added that they were deeply concerned by the allegations and that the well-being and safety of their residents was their top priority.

“We have strict protocols and training programs in place to protect our residents, and we will strengthen these measures in light of this event,” a spokesperson for Oaks at Suwanee Creek said in a statement.

“The level of betrayal from the residents, from the caregivers, from the family, I mean, we are just blown away. I never suspected that with Terri,” Spiller said.

Atlanta News First tried calling and texting the nurse for comment, to no avail. Police said the investigation is continuing.

Copyright 2024 WANF. All rights reserved.