FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 25, 2018
Contact:
Kraig Troxell, Media Relations and Communications Manager, 703-771-5278
Kraig.Troxell@loudoun.gov
Alex Kowalski, Public Information Officer, 703-777-0625
Aleksandra.Kowalski@loudoun.gov
Behavioral Healthcare Center Employees
Charged After Juvenile Injured
Loudoun County, VA – Two employees of a behavioral healthcare center near Leesburg have been charged in connection with the injury of a juvenile patient at the facility.
Stephen S. Holmes, 53, of Martinsburg, WV, and Kara L. Mueller, 45, of Lovettsville, VA, both employees at North Spring Behavioral Healthcare, were arrested yesterday on charges stemming from an injury to a 16-year-old victim from Woodbridge, VA.
A joint investigation conducted by the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office and Loudoun County’s Department of Family Services, in coordination with the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney, found the victim was injured after being restrained by Holmes, an employee at the facility. The name of the juvenile victim has not been released in accordance with the applicable state code.
On June 14, 2018, Detectives from the Criminal Investigation Division were contacted by DFS in reference to an alleged injury to a juvenile female at the facility located on Victory Lane in Leesburg. The investigation determined that the juvenile female had suffered injuries to her spine. The injuries were a result of the restraint performed by Holmes on June 11.
Mueller, a registered nurse at the facility, failed to intervene when the restraint was incorrectly administered. She was arrested and charged with Cruelty and Injuries to a Child(ren). She was released from the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center on an unsecured bond.
Holmes was arrested and charged with Malicious Wounding and Cruelty and Injuries to a Child(ren). He is being held at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center without bond.
###