Criminal Case of Massachusetts Veterans' Home Officials
Two former officials of a veterans home in Massachusetts settled their criminal case without jail time after being charged with criminal neglect in connection to COVID-19 deaths. The facility faced severe staffing and testing shortages during the early days of the pandemic.
Key Points
- Former officials settled criminal case without going to jail
- Charges stemmed from decision to combine dementia units during pandemic
- State found lack of leadership skills in former superintendent
- Massachusetts paid $56 million to settle a lawsuit from families of veterans who died
Pros
- Justice system addressing accountability for COVID-19 related deaths in nursing homes
Cons
- Anger and disappointment from families and state officials over the settlement without jail time