Published: October 27, 2009 06:39 pm      

Manager pleads guilty in nursing home case

The manager of a nursing home accused of stealing drugs from residents pleaded guilty in Whitfield County Superior Court on Tuesday and will undergo a pre-sentence investigation, officials said. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 8.

Wayne Hardwick Dawn, 38, of 3769 Cleveland Highway in Dalton, pleaded guilty to possession of hydrocodone and possession of darvocet, both felony charges with a maximum penalty of five years in prison. He also pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor charges of possession of less than an ounce of marijuana and seven counts of reckless conduct for taking the medication of patients which could have caused them harm.

Dawn managed Pleasant Valley Assisted Living, a facility owned by his wife, at 510 Reed Road. He was arrested in October of 2008 after a resident’s relative raised suspicions and an undercover investigation was conducted by the sheriff’s office using audio and video surveillance. Sheriff Scott Chitwood said it appeared Dawn had been stealing the drugs for around a year.

Judge Cindy Morris ordered the pre-sentence investigation.

Attorney Todd Ray represented Dawn and said he is contrite.

“He’s been very humble about it, and done everything he can think of to show he’s making amends,” Ray said.

He was asked if Dawn had taken any steps to attend a drug rehabilitation program before possibly being ordered to as part of his sentence.

“He has spent 10 days at Westcott (Center), went through Carter Hope as an outpatient and is going to (Alcoholics Anonymous) on a daily basis,” said Ray. “He went to the Narcotics Anonymous classes, but felt AA was a better fit with more people his age. It’s basically the same program.”

Ray said Dawn has also become involved in the community.

“He’s volunteered for things like working with the Alzheimer’s Association, with Dalton Little Theatre and began attending Varnell United Methodist Church,” he said. “He has expressed his deepest regret to those who were involved in this, and he’s got a great support team that’s ready to help him out.”