Four people responsible for caring for people at an assisted living home in Williamsville are accused of ignoring alarms and letting an elderly patient wander outside in freezing temperatures. 

Personal care assistants George Stokes, LaQuanda Johnson, Caprice Newbern and medical technician Stephanie Shinault worked at the Brompton Heights Assisted Living Facility.

New York Attorney General Letitia James said Stokes was sleeping during an overnight shift in December 2017, leaving his hall unattended.

Investigators said during that time an 87-year-old woman, wearing only a nightgown, wandered out through an emergency exit.

The woman was found several hours later, nearly unconscious with hypothermia and frostbite.

The other three defendants are accused of ignoring the door alarm and taking their breaks at the same time.

Brompton Heights said all four people violated multiple policies and were immediately fired.

The four are charged with endangering the welfare of a vulnerable elderly person, which is a felony.

If convicted they face one to four years in prison.

The state Department of Health released a statement Tuesday, saying:

“The safety and wellbeing of assisted living residents is of paramount importance to the Department of Health. In Dec. 2017, we immediately began an investigation of this incident, which resulted in Brompton Heights being cited for multiple deficiencies. The Department will continue to hold providers accountable for their actions.”

Brompton Heights also issued a statement, saying:

“Brompton Heights has made significant strides in compliance and addressing concerns. Specifically, Brompton Heights has focused on training, staffing and fostering a culture of compassion. Doubling down on employee training, quality assurance, and recruitment are all ways Brompton Heights has paved a path forward to provide excellent care to each of our residents.”

For Brompton Heights' inspection history, click here.