PENN LAIRD — The director of an assisted living facility in Rockingham County has been charged in an ongoing criminal investigation by multiple agencies, according to the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office.
A search warrant was served Tuesday on the Willow Estates Assisted Living Facility, located at 180 Titus Drive in Penn Laird. Rockingham County Sheriff Bryan Hutcheson said the warrant was obtained as part of an ongoing investigation into multiple criminal allegations involving the operation of the business. The Virginia State Police, the Virginia Department of Social Services — Division of Adult Protective Services, and Rockingham County Fire and Rescue assisted in serving the warrant.
The sheriff said various items were taken as evidence from the business, as well as from two different residences owned by individuals directly involved with Willow Estates.
The initial search led to the discovery of alleged criminal activity not previously included as part of the underlying investigation, resulting in the arrest of Michelle Buckner, 64, the director of Willow Oaks, Hutcheson said. Buckner, of Penn Laird, was charged Wednesday with felony neglect.
“It is our understanding that the Virginia Department of Social Services — Division of Licensing Programs is currently in the process of determining what steps are necessary for the facility to continue to operate in the meantime, if that is even possible. Any questions regarding that subject should be directed to them,” a press release said.
The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are expected.
More: High school football preview: All 7 Shenandoah District teams will be on the field Friday
More: Pedestrian killed in Verona was decades-long employee at Armstrong’s Restaurant
Brad Zinn is the cops, courts and breaking news reporter at The News Leader. Have a news tip? Or something that needs investigating? You can email reporter Brad Zinn (he/him) at bzinn@newsleader.com. You can also follow him on X (formerly Twitter).
This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Director of assisted living facility in Rockingham County arrested
EMEA Tribune is not involved in this news article, it is taken from our partners and or from the News Agencies. Copyright and Credit go to the News Agencies, email news@emeatribune.com Follow our WhatsApp verified Channel
