Author Topic: It's legal for kids to die in Utah in licensed, residential treatment programs  (Read 1880 times)

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Offline Anonymous

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News Flash!!!!

In the case of the State of Utah vs. Deb Cole and Jorge Rameriz regarding the death of Brendan Blum at Youth Care of Utah, part of the Aspen Education Group, the charges against the 2 workers were dismissed at the Preliminary Hearing, by the Honorable Judge Robert Adkins. His finding was although the 2 workers could be considered negligent, there was not enough evidence to prosecute them for criminal negligence. They were charged with Neglect or Abuse of a Disabled Child, a 3rd degree felony in Utah, punishable by up to 5 years in prison.  Not enough evidence, even though Utah's own Licensing Department /Ken Stettler had found Youth Care in violation of emergency procedures, even though Brendan was violently ill, stumbling around and vomitting, even though the nurse was never called, even though the coroner ruled his death "Preventable", even though he was put in a den and left alone all night and not checked, and even though the staff told him to stop being dramatic and told the police they thought he was faking, there was not found to be enough evidence for a jury of their peers to decide. The judge just dismissed the charges. So much for justice.

The defense attorneys argued that no crime had been committed. The prosecutor urged the judge to let a jury decide. The victim's family was not allowed to make a statement. Neither of the defendants nor their attorneys ever stated they were sorry that Brendan was dead or acknowledged the victim's death. Assumably, they are free to work in other residential treatment facilities in Utah or elsewhere.

So, apparently, in Utah, it's PERFECTLY LEGAL to just let a kid die in the name of therapy.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »

Offline Anonymous

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Welcome to Mormon Country!
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »

Offline dishdutyfugitive

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Contempt of court is meticulously enforced.


Contempt for humanity? Well,  that's just a recreational concept.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »

Offline Che Gookin

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Bleh.. definitely two people that whole heartedly deserved being cornholed in prison.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »

Offline Anonymous

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Quote from: "A Voice"
News Flash!!!!

In the case of the State of Utah vs. Deb Cole and Jorge Rameriz regarding the death of Brendan Blum at Youth Care of Utah, part of the Aspen Education Group, the charges against the 2 workers were dismissed at the Preliminary Hearing, by the Honorable Judge Robert Adkins. His finding was although the 2 workers could be considered negligent, there was not enough evidence to prosecute them for criminal negligence. They were charged with Neglect or Abuse of a Disabled Child, a 3rd degree felony in Utah, punishable by up to 5 years in prison.  Not enough evidence, even though Utah's own Licensing Department /Ken Stettler had found Youth Care in violation of emergency procedures, even though Brendan was violently ill, stumbling around and vomitting, even though the nurse was never called, even though the coroner ruled his death "Preventable", even though he was put in a den and left alone all night and not checked, and even though the staff told him to stop being dramatic and told the police they thought he was faking, there was not found to be enough evidence for a jury of their peers to decide. The judge just dismissed the charges. So much for justice.

The defense attorneys argued that no crime had been committed. The prosecutor urged the judge to let a jury decide. The victim's family was not allowed to make a statement. Neither of the defendants nor their attorneys ever stated they were sorry that Brendan was dead or acknowledged the victim's death. Assumably, they are free to work in other residential treatment facilities in Utah or elsewhere.

So, apparently, in Utah, it's PERFECTLY LEGAL to just let a kid die in the name of therapy.


When will Ken Stettler ever find a program at fault.  I wonder how many children he has seen die horrible, senseless deaths?  How can he sit back and arrogantly claim he is watching over these programs.  It is my opinion he is being paid off by these programs.  Most programs that have allegations of death and abuse are allowed to continue to operated and get a slap on the wrist.  He arrogantly claims he is helping with the regulation of these programs.  He claims he "setting the standard" for other states.  It is legal to kill and abuse children in Utah.  The program operators get of with a measly fine and it is rare if ever they people involved get prosecuted.  Have you ever seen Ken Stettler?  He is 400 pounds.  Nothing wrong with being a big guy-- however if you are overseeing -- how many programs in Utah now.??.. and some if not most are out in the Wilderness-- how do you properly regulate those?  How can a completely unfit human being be responsible for regulating the most wilderness programs in the United States?  How many regulators are there?  How can people sit back and watch someone in pain and let them die.  A "violation" -- this place needs to be shut down.  Burned down.  Mr. Stettler-- Its time for you to retire.  I hope the GAO folks looked closely at his bank account.  It is my guess they found a few inconsistencies in his state salary and his estate.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »

Offline dishdutyfugitive

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Do they even make 400lb magic mormon underwear?

The next time the mormon missionaires coming knocking on my door to convert me I'll be sure to ask them about the stench of Stettler.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »

Offline Anonymous

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a damn shame.
any civil action expected?
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »

Offline hurrikayne

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Got a link to the story?
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »
"Motivation is everything. You can do the work of two people, but you can\'t be two people. Instead, you have to inspire the next guy down the line and get him to inspire his people. " - Lee Iacocca

Offline Anonymous

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Re: It's legal for kids to die in Utah in licensed, residential
« Reply #8 on: September 13, 2008, 02:28:53 PM »
Quote
A case against two caretakers at a Draper assisted-living facility accused of failing to provide medical aid to a 14-year-old resident who died under their supervision has been dismissed.
    Jorge Ramirez and Deborah Cole were each charged with one third-degree felony count of abuse or neglect of a child in connection with the June 2007 death of Brendan Blum of Santa Barbara, Calif., at Youth Care Inc.
    The night of his death, Blum had a loss of bowel control, vomited and complained of stomach pain, but Ramirez and Cole did not provide or seek adequate medical help, according to charges filed in 3rd District Court.
    Blum was at the facility because he had Asperger's Syndrome, a disorder related to autism.
    Judge Robert Adkins recently dropped charges, finding no probable cause to show the defendants neglected the boy.

http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_10448889
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »

Offline Anonymous

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Re: It's legal for kids to die in Utah in licensed, residential
« Reply #9 on: September 13, 2008, 03:04:46 PM »
It looks like it's time to start a "staff members who got away with murder thread".  :-
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »