Man accused of vulnerable adult abuse

A caregiver at a Clinton County adult foster home faces more than a decade in prison for vulnerable adult abuse, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced today.

A joint investigation between the Department of Attorney General’s Health Care Fraud Division and the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office began in May after a developmentally disabled resident at a Clinton County adult foster care home was discovered with major injuries. The victim survived after being transported to an area hospital and admitted to the intensive care unit. The injuries included a subdural hematoma, fractured sternum, and numerous bruises and marks.

The investigation determined that the injuries were received when Andrew House-carter, 27, of Lansing, was the lone caregiver at the home — known as

the Airport Home — for the night shift spanning May 15 and 16.

House-carter is charged with first-degree vulnerable adult abuse, a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

He was arraigned in the 65A District Court in Clinton County Wednesday afternoon and given a $100,000 cash/surety bond.

“The overwhelming majority of those who care for our most vulnerable Michiganders do a wonderful job, despite many challenges,” Nessel said. “But when caregivers harm those entrusted to their care—they will be held accountable. I want to thank the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office for their partnership and professionalism with this case.”

A pre-exam conference is scheduled for Jan. 20 at 1 p.m. and a preliminary exam is scheduled for Jan. 27 at 2 p.m.