Aide admits to bleach attack

Simone Goldsboro, 37, pleaded guilty to spraying bleach in the face of a paralyzed patient at Avista Healthcare nursing home in Cherry Hill on August 17, 2023.

Victim was stroke survivor

The patient, identified as D.S., was paralyzed on one side of her body from a stroke and unable to defend herself during the attack.

Goldsboro knew the danger

Goldsboro admitted she knew the spray bottle contained bleach and understood it could cause significant injury to her patient.

“Goldsboro said she knew the spray bottle contained bleach and that it had the potential to cause significant injury to her patient.”

Excessive force during care

Before the bleach attack, Goldsboro used more force than necessary to undress and clean the elderly patient, then retrieved the bleach from a custodial cart.

Attorney general condemns abuse

New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said the defendant exploited the trust families place in nursing home staff and will not tolerate abuse of vulnerable residents.

“We have to trust the people who care for our loved ones at residential facilities. This defendant exploited that trust.”

Guilty to two assault charges

Goldsboro pleaded guilty to third-degree aggravated assault and fourth-degree assault upon an institutionalized elderly person.

Sentencing and license revocation

Prosecutors recommend 364 days in Camden County jail, revocation of her certified nurse's aide license, and probation after release. Sentencing is scheduled for October 30.