A 22-year-old caregiver in South Carolina is facing felony charges after authorities say she stood by and laughed while a patient in her care choked to death at a state-run facility for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Incident Details and Allegations
Haven Alyssa Jackson, a direct support professional at the Pee Dee Regional Center, was arrested following an investigation into the February 1 incident. According to arrest warrants from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Jackson was responsible for ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the victim during lunch.
The victim began choking on “unapproved food” during the meal, but despite being aware of the situation, investigators allege Jackson did nothing to assist. The warrants claim Jackson was seen laughing at the time, failing to provide any life-saving measures or interventions.
Neglect and Cover-Up
The investigation revealed that Jackson may have attempted to cover up her neglect. SLED agents allege that Jackson failed to conduct required 15-minute accountability checks on the victim and falsified logs to make it appear as if the checks had been completed.
Authorities concluded that Jackson’s actions “directly resulted” in the victim’s death from choking. Additionally, Jackson is accused of physically mistreating the same patient earlier that day. Surveillance footage and witness interviews reportedly showed Jackson pushing the victim forcefully into walls and onto the floor multiple times. She is also accused of using her body to block the victim’s movements and steering them in specific directions against their will.
Charges and Arrest
Jackson is now facing one count of abuse or neglect of a vulnerable adult and one count of neglect resulting in death. She was booked into the Florence County Detention Center and is being held without bond.
The Pee Dee Regional Center immediately requested a state investigation following the patient’s death. Jackson’s case is now under prosecution by the 12th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.
