PA Nurse Charged After Alleged Exorcism Attempt in Nazareth

A nurse at a Nazareth, Pennsylvania nursing home faces charges after an alleged incident involving a nonverbal resident.

Octavia Robinson was charged with abuse of a care-dependent person, harassment and simple assault. Police responded to a welfare check on June 23 after staff reported Robinson was acting strangely and refused to leave a resident's room for two hours.

An officer entered the room and found Robinson standing over an elderly, nonverbal resident with her fingers in the patient’s mouth, stating demons needed to be expelled. Robinson was taken for an involuntary emergency health evaluation.

The grand jury report stated that the patient’s roommates alerted staff and officers to the situation. For residents unable to communicate their needs, fellow residents often serve as a primary line of defense.

Families with loved ones in assisted living or skilled nursing facilities should visit regularly, build relationships with staff and establish clear reporting channels for concerns. Speak up early and document any concerns in writing.