Chatham County assisted living facility caregiver charged with abusing 92-year-old resident

CHATHAM COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- A caregiver at a Chatham County assisted living facility has been charged and arrested after allegedly abusing a 92-year-old resident.

The Chatham County Sheriff's Office opened an investigation after abuse and neglect allegations were reported by concerned staff members on July 15.

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According to the report, the 92-year-old victim "suffered significant injuries that resulted in bruising and swelling."

Investigators determined employee Iantha Merritt Southerland, 63, of Chapel Hill, was responsible for injuring the resident.

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On Tuesday, Southerland was arrested and charged with felony patient abuse and neglect as well as felony assault on the handicapped. She was given a written promise to appear in Chatham County District Court in Pittsboro on August 22.