St. Cloud Home Health Nurse Charged with Aggravated Abuse After Surveillance Footage Reveals Assault on Disabled Teen
ST. CLOUD — A licensed practical nurse in St. Cloud has been arrested and charged with felony aggravated assault following the discovery of disturbing surveillance footage that appears to show her violently abusing an 18-year-old quadriplegic woman under her care.
The accused, Nia Ayers, 24, turned herself in to authorities at the St. Cloud Police Department on the night of May 7, after police issued a warrant for her arrest. She is currently being held without bond at the Osceola County Jail, pending further legal proceedings.
A Shocking Case of Alleged Abuse Caught on Camera
According to an arrest affidavit, the young victim — who is non-verbal, quadriplegic, and suffers from cerebral palsy — was under Ayers’ care when her mother noticed cuts and abrasions on her face on May 3. Concerned, the mother reviewed the home’s security footage and was horrified by what she saw: repeated acts of aggression and what police are now calling “acts of torture.”
The footage reportedly shows Ayers:
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Taping the victim’s mouth shut and violently ripping it off.
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Shaking the victim’s head and upper body.
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Pinching the victim, shaking her breathing machine, and causing a nosebleed.
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Pressing a washcloth over her mouth for extended periods — once for 10 seconds, and again for 7 seconds — as the teen visibly tensed and struggled.
These actions were described by responding officers as consistent with intentional harm, triggering a felony charge under Florida Statute § 825.102, which protects disabled adults from abuse and neglect.
Trusted Caregiver Now Accused of Felony Assault
Ayers, a licensed practical nurse since 2021, had been caring for the teen for over a year, according to the victim’s family. She was employed through two separate home healthcare agencies, both of which have been notified of the charges, according to St. Cloud Police Chief Douglas Goerke.
“To say this is shocking would be an understatement,” said Chief Goerke during an interview with FOX 35’s Hannah Mackenzie. “It’s unimaginable that someone trusted to care for the most vulnerable among us could do something like this. If we uncover more evidence, we will file charge after charge to ensure justice is served.”
Police Seek Additional Victims as Investigation Expands
Authorities now believe this may not be an isolated incident. Chief Goerke publicly urged families who may have had Ayers in their homes to step forward if they suspect any suspicious behavior.
“We are reviewing more footage, and we suspect there could be additional victims,” Goerke stated. “We won’t stop until we know the full scope of what happened.”
Families with concerns are being asked to contact the St. Cloud Police Department Criminal Investigations Unit at 407-891-6700.
A Community Grapples With Betrayal and Outrage
The victim’s mother, who requested anonymity, described being “sick to her stomach” after watching what was done to her daughter — a child who cannot speak or defend herself.
Legal experts say cases like this often depend heavily on documentation, video surveillance, and caregiver history. While Ayers has no prior disciplinary actions on her license, her future as a healthcare provider appears grim.
For residents in St. Cloud and across Central Florida, the case serves as a harsh reminder of the vulnerabilities that come with in-home healthcare and the importance of oversight.
What Happens Next
Ayers remains in custody with no bond set. Her next court date has not yet been listed on the Osceola County Clerk of Court website. Prosecutors are expected to pursue the case aggressively, especially in light of the video evidence and the victim’s severe disability.
Meanwhile, child and adult protection advocates are calling for stronger safeguards, better vetting procedures for in-home nurses, and routine use of surveillance in homes with medically dependent individuals.
If you or someone you know may have experienced abuse by a caregiver, contact local authorities immediately. Reports can be filed anonymously and may prevent future harm.
