BRISTOL, Va. – Former nursing home aide James Wright blamed his four victims for the sexual assaults they endured, according to a psychological evaluation read at his court sentencing Friday.
The evaluation describes the man who once fed, bathed and clothed National HealthCare’s elderly residents as a manipulative hedonist with tendencies of voyeurism and exhibitionism.
It also ranks his personality in line with the average rapist and molester.
“He holds the victims responsible ... because the accuser wanted and liked the sex play that happened,” the evaluation states.
These revelations might have played a part in Circuit Judge Larry B. Kirksey’s decision to hand Wright 60 years in prison – 20 years shy of the maximum penalty. That breaks down to 15 years for each victim.
Wright, at 35, might not live to see freedom again. Kirksey alluded to the possibility when listing the probation restrictions Wright would face if he makes it out of jail.
“This is no doubt an indescribably despicable criminal act,” Kirksey said moments before issuing the sentence. “Certainly, as a certified nursing aide, you understand the position of trust ... you were placed in by these women and by [their] families.”
In January, Wright entered an Alford plea to four counts of aggravated sexual battery, which each carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The plea acknowledges that prosecutors’ evidence is sufficient to convict him without admitting guilt, although it is treated as a guilty plea by the court.
During the evaluation in March, Wright alluded to the technical significance of his plea.
“I was charged with four counts of groping,” he told the test administrator. “I did not hurt anybody. They were the mental patients. I made an Alford plea on the advice of my counsel. I did not plead guilty.”
The evaluation was court-ordered to determine Wright’s eligibility for a sexual offender treatment program. The test has roughly 1,200 questions that focus on sexual desires and past relationships, according to testimony.
Defense attorney Barry Proctor, arguing for a light sentence Friday, ignored the evaluation’s negative analysis and instead pointed to the candor Wright displayed for the test.
“His test looks bad because he was open and honest,” Proctor said.
Prosecutor Jerry Wolfe pounced on the negative analysis.
“His ... evaluation shows that he preys on people who are helpless,” Wolfe said, noting that each victim had been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s. “He picked out victims that he didn’t think would be able to tell on him.”
Moments before his sentence was announced, Wright offered apologies and accepted the blame for the assaults.
“I do hope that the families and the people I have hurt can forgive me for what I have done,” he said.
Since Wright’s arrest last year, NHC-Bristol supervisors have been accused of both ignoring and failing to report suspected patient abuse.
A state licensing board has fined and reprimanded former Director of Nursing Elizabeth Anne Franklin. Current home Administrator Charlotte Wilson and Nursing Supervisor Helen Roberts face possible sanctions against their licenses.
The Murfreesboro, Tenn.-based NHC nursing home chain has also come under fire.
“These events represent a sad chapter in the long history of NHC-Bristol,” Senior Regional Vice President Ray Blevins said in an e-mail Friday. “The center has taken steps to ensure that this type of activity does not occur in the future.”
mowens@bristolnews.com | (276) 645-2549
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