Affidavit Details Alleged 'Systematic Caretaker Abuse' At Enid Treatment Facility

An affidavit revealed new details pertaining to three caregivers accused of abusing clients with intellectual disabilities at a treatment facility in Enid.

Police said on Tuesday, they arrested 21-year-old Jonathan Martinez and 24-year-old Jhon Nieto on felony complaints of abuse by caretaker and conspiracy. Nieto also faces complaints of resisting arrest and obstruction, police said.

Meanwhile, police said they are looking for a third suspect, 28-year-old Jonathan Orozco, who they believe fled the state.

According to an affidavit, the three men, while working at the Robert M. Greer Center in Enid, used a bedsheet to choke a client who had the mental capacity of a 4-year-old. Once he became unconscious, the suspects beat him until he regained consciousness, police said. A witness told investigators the abuse happened to the victim 40 times, the affidavit stated.

"The contusions and the difference in coloring show that parts of it were healing, parts of it were fresh that the abuse was ongoing," said Cass Rains, public information coordinator at the Enid Police Department. "I don't know what would possess someone to want to do that to another person."

Photos that police provided to News 9 showed deep bruising on large portions of victims' torsos.

Police said the suspects were responsible for forms of waterboarding in the facility's showers against clients as well. Rains said a motive was unclear.

"I think they performed these acts just for the sake of doing it or taking some sort of pleasure from it," said Rains. "They would also bribe or entice other clients at the facility to assault some of the victims."

The investigation began in June after a former employee of the Greer Center told police about the "systematic caretaker abuse" that had been happening for at least a year, the affidavit stated.

Witnesses told police the suspects used the names of other staff members during the abuse to avoid getting caught, according to the affidavit. A witness said one of the suspects would act as a lookout while the others carried out the abuse.

News 9 went to the Greer Center, but the door was locked and staff would not answer. News 9 also reached out to Liberty Healthcare, which operates the facility on behalf of the state. Liberty sent News 9 a statement shortly after the story aired Thursday evening.

“We are deeply disturbed by the reports of abuse and consider such behavior to be wholly inappropriate and unacceptable," Liberty said in its statement. "In our 23-year history of managing this facility, we have never encountered a similar situation. We will fully cooperate and support local and state officials as they investigate this matter.” 

In addition, Oklahoma Human Services sent News 9 the following statement:

"The allegations against personnel at the Robert M. Greer Center are heinous, especially in light of the vulnerable population being housed at the facility. Immediately upon learning of the allegations, Oklahoma Human Services began cooperating with law enforcement and has maintained regular contact with them since the early stages of the investigation. Additionally, we are halting any new admissions and have reached out to the operators of the Greer Center to ensure appropriate steps are being taken to cooperate in any investigation and, more importantly, ensure the ongoing safety of all residents under the facility’s care.

"Oklahoma Human Services is committed to a complete investigation of this facility, the remaining staff and its management, including continued efforts with law enforcement. We are taking steps to ensure each resident’s loved ones are aware of this situation."

Police said the investigation is ongoing and they expect to pursue more charges against the suspects.

Police are also urging anyone who knows where Orozco is to call 580-242-7000 or text 847411 and enter the keyword, "EPDTIP." Those with information on the alleged abuse at the Greer Center are asked to call the police as well.

Related articles: 3 Enid Caretakers Accused Of Choking, Beating Patients