More Nurses Aides Charged With Sex With Patients

Fayette County sheriff's officials continue to make arrests in connection with incidents at Prairie View Residential Care Facility, in which current and former nursing assistants are accused of having a sexual relationship with some of the patients.

Earlier this month, two Certified Nurses Aides at Prairie View were charged with sexual exploitation by counselor, therapist, or school employee. Megan Penny, 26, of Clermont and Paige Johanningmeier, 23, of Elgin, are both accused of taking up a relationship with two patients, who had walked away from the facility and were reported missing.

According to authorities, more evidence has been gathered since the March 5 arrests. As a result, three more woman were arrested on Friday (March 23): Shelby Sebring, 24, of Hawkeye; Jamie Pagel, 32, of Sumner; and Carolyn Wiedrich, 44, of Sumner. Sheriff's officials said all three are former CNA's of Prairie View. They are also accused of having past unhealthy or sexual relationships with patients.

If convicted of the charge of sexual exploitation by counselor, therapist, or school employee, the women could face up to five years in prison and be required to register with the state sex offender registry. All three were released from jail after posting $10,000 bond.

Fayette County Sheriff Marty Fisher notes that these CNA's have violated the trust of their employers and of the families of the patients they were entrusted to care for.

The investigation continues and more charges could be filed.