Florida Care Worker Arrested in Panama City After Allegedly Performing Sexually Explicit Acts in Front of Disabled Patients
FLORIDA — A Florida care facility worker is facing multiple felony charges after investigators say she was recorded performing sexually explicit behavior in front of disabled adults who were nonverbal and unable to provide consent, prompting a criminal investigation and arrest in Panama City.
Allegations Spark Investigation at Panama City Care Facility
According to law enforcement, 29-year-old Josalynn Janeice Hart was arrested Tuesday in Panama City, Florida, after police received a tip alleging inappropriate conduct involving vulnerable adults under her supervision at a local care facility.
Investigators say the report led them to obtain video evidence showing Hart and three other women allegedly engaging in sexually explicit dancing, including twerking, inside the facility while disabled patients were present.
Court Documents Detail Disturbing Conduct
Court records indicate Hart was seen dancing on a sink and twerking on a table while at least two disabled patients were seated nearby, directly in front of her. Police noted the individuals appeared nonverbal and incapable of providing consent, a key factor in the charges filed.
Investigators also stated that while Hart was not observed making direct physical contact with the patients in the video, her actions still constituted criminal behavior due to the nature of the conduct and the patients’ inability to consent.
Other Workers Allegedly Involved in Video
Authorities say additional footage showed another worker placing her body and leg close to a disabled patient’s face while engaging in similar behavior. Police emphasized that none of the patients appeared capable of understanding or consenting to what was taking place. Officials described the footage as deeply troubling and said it raised serious concerns about supervision, reporting failures, and the protection of vulnerable adults.
Charges Filed Against Florida Care Worker
Hart is now facing multiple charges, including:
- Lewd and lascivious exhibition involving an elderly or disabled person
- Failure to report abuse
- Neglect of a vulnerable adult
Police confirmed the investigation remains ongoing and additional arrests or charges could follow as authorities review the conduct of others seen in the footage.
Authorities Emphasize Protection of Vulnerable Adults
Law enforcement officials stressed that caregivers are legally and ethically responsible for protecting those in their care, especially individuals who cannot advocate for themselves.
“This case highlights the seriousness of safeguarding vulnerable adults and ensuring those entrusted with their care are held accountable,” officials said. The care facility involved has not publicly commented on the allegations as of this writing.
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