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TALLAHASSEE, FL - Attorney General Bill McCollum today announced the arrest of a Palm Beach County man on charges that he struck a disabled resident of a nursing home where he was formerly employed. James Williams was arrested this morning by law enforcement officers with the Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.

The arrest resulted from an investigation by the Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Units Patient Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation (PANE) team. The investigation revealed that Williams, 56, was employed as a janitor by the Edward J. Healey Rehabilitation and Nursing Center located in West Palm Beach. In January, Williams allegedly used a metal-handled mop to strike a 48-year-old mentally disabled adult who lives at the facility. The incident was witnessed by a nurse at the facility and Williams was fired as a result of the abuse.

Williams is charged with one count of aggravated battery, a second-degree felony, and one count of abuse of a disabled adult, a third-degree felony. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison and a $15,000 fine. The case will be prosecuted by the Palm Beach County State Attorney's Office.

The PANE Project plays a key role in detecting abuse and neglect of elderly and disabled patients, helping to ensure that efficient and effective health care is being provided. The Attorney General's Office has PANE teams in Miami, Tallahassee, Tampa and West Palm Beach.