CNAs Attack Patient At Jersey Shore Rehab Center: Prosecutor

A pair of certified nursing assistants are accused of beating a patient now listed in critical condition at the rehabilitation center they worked at, authorities in Ocean County said.

Dhenmark Francisco and Jovi Esperanza.
Photo Credit: *Ocean County Jail*

Cecilia Levine

10/17/2024 1:11 p.m.

Dhenmark Francisco, 28, of Toms River, and Jovi Esperanza, 31, of Beachwood, were each charged with aggravated assault in connection with the Sunday, Oct. 14 attack at Crystal Lake Rehabilitation Facility in Berkeley Township, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.

The Berkeley PD was contacted by officials at the Crystal Lake Rehabilitation Facility regarding a patient that had been assaulted on Monday, Oct. 15, Billhimer said alongside Berkeley Township Chief of Police Kevin Santucci.

An investigation found that the CNAs attacked the 52-year-old patient around 11:45 a.m. the day before. The patient was taken to Community Medical Center in Toms River, and then transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Medical Center in New Brunswick for treatment of his injuries. He is listed in critical but stable condition.

Both men were jailed pending a detention hearing. A motive was not revealed.

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