Wyoming CNA Accused of Tying Resident’s Head to Bed With Scarf; Pleads Not Guilty

Casper, WY — A certified nursing assistant in Casper has been charged with felony abuse of a vulnerable adult after investigators say she used a resident’s silk scarf to tie the woman’s head to a bedframe during an overnight shift, leaving her unable to move until morning.

Julie Ann Cross, 50, was arrested Nov. 18 and later released on $5,000 bond, according to court records. She pleaded not guilty at her Nov. 20 arraignment in Natrona County District Court. A preliminary hearing is set for Dec. 18.

Allegations detailed in affidavit

According to a sworn affidavit and court filings, Cross was working a night shift when an elderly resident repeatedly attempted to get out of bed. Rather than follow approved protocols, investigators say Cross looped the resident’s personal silk scarf around the woman’s neck and secured it to the metal bedframe. The resident reported waking with neck pain and visible marks. The incident was discovered on the morning shift, prompting the facility to start an internal review and alert authorities, as required under state law.

The resident, who has not been publicly identified, was evaluated at a hospital, where clinicians documented ligature marks consistent with the description in the affidavit. Cross allegedly told investigators she was overwhelmed and used the scarf as a “quick fix,” claiming she did not intend harm and removed the makeshift restraint before the end of her shift.

Charge and potential penalties

Cross faces one count of abuse of a vulnerable adult under Wyoming Statute § 6-2-511, a felony that can carry up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. “This was not a momentary lapse; it was a deliberate act that endangered a vulnerable person’s life,” Natrona County District Attorney Bruce Salzburg said in a statement. “We will pursue the maximum penalties to send a message that abuse in care facilities will not be tolerated.”

Cross’s court-appointed attorney, Lisa M. Trimble, said her client was under intense pressure due to chronic understaffing. “This was a misguided attempt to ensure safety, not malice,” Trimble said after the arraignment. “We’re confident the full context will show no intent to harm.”

Facility response and oversight

Court documents identify the facility as Mountain View Care Center in Casper, which is affiliated with Ensign Group. The operator said it immediately terminated the employee and reported the case to regulators. “We acted immediately upon learning of this isolated incident, terminating the employee and cooperating fully with authorities. Resident safety is our top priority, and we regret this breach,” a company spokesperson said.

The Wyoming Department of Health has opened an investigation into possible licensure violations, according to state officials. Federal regulations prohibit physical restraints in nursing homes except during emergencies and under strict clinical oversight. Industry reports note that improper restraints remain a persistent issue despite decades of reform intended to protect resident autonomy.

Family, civil action and staffing concerns

The resident’s family has retained a Casper-based attorney and filed a civil claim alleging negligence by the facility. The daughter said her mother is afraid to return to a care setting. “My mom trusted these people with her life, and they treated her like an animal,” she said in a statement.

Advocacy groups say the episode underscores staffing and training gaps that have worsened since the pandemic. “Wyoming’s nursing homes are underfunded and overstretched; this tragedy is a symptom of systemic failure, not just one bad actor,” said AARP Wyoming Director Tom Reilly.

Clinicians cautioned that improvised restraints can cause physical injury and lasting trauma. “Restraints like this cause not just physical harm but profound psychological effects, particularly for people living with dementia,” said Dr. Elena Vasquez, a geriatric specialist at the University of Wyoming.

What’s next

Cross remains free on bond and is barred from caregiving roles while the case proceeds, according to court orders. The state’s investigation of the facility is ongoing. Any findings could lead to corrective actions, fines or federal citations. The court has not set a trial date.