St. Petersburg Man Arrested after Battering Disabled Nursing Home Residents (25-002)

DUNEDIN- Detectives assigned to the Robbery & Homicide Unit have arrested a St. Petersburg man for two counts of Abuse or Neglect of an Aged or Disabled Person.

On December 23, 2024, detectives began an investigation after a report that two residents were battered by an employee at Lake Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility, located at 1351 San Christopher Drive in Dunedin. Detectives learned an employee, 35-year-old Nicholas Brown, battered two disabled residents. Both victims are adult males, one suffers from a Traumatic Brain Injury and the other is a quadriplegic with intellectual disabilities. Both victims are non-verbal and unable to communicate.

Detectives say the incidents were witnessed by another employee at the facility. The witness stated while in a room caring for the victims, Brown, who is a Certified Nursing Assistant, struck the victims multiple times on the legs and side with an open hand. He then began to strike them with force with an open hand on the buttocks. The victims were evaluated and treated at the facility for non-life-threatening injuries.

On January 7, 2025, detectives arrested Brown and charged him with two counts of abuse or neglect of an aged or disabled person. He was transported to the Pinellas County Jail. Brown's employment was terminated as a result of the incident.

Anyone with information on this case or additional victims, please contact Corporal Antonio at 727-582-6722.

Additional Information:

Nicholas Brown (Suspect – Arrested)
DOB: 04/12/1989
Address: 9920 9th Avenue North, St. Petersburg
Charges: Two Counts of Abuse or Neglect of Aged or Disabled Person