Former Caregiver Sentenced For Assaulting Elderly In Arvada

ARVADA, CO — A former caregiver was sentenced to 12 years in prison for assaulting two of her patients while she was employed at an Arvada care facility, the First Judicial District Attorney's office said. Gwendolyn Phillis Kentris, 46, pleaded guilty in May to second and third degree assault of at-risk adults.

Arvada police were called to the Ralston Creek Neighborhood care facility in March of 2018 after a report of assault. An elderly woman was taken to a hospital after staff at the center "had heard and seen alarming behavior by Kentris while she was in the victim's room," the DA's office said.

One victim was a 74-year-old woman who had Alzheimer’s disease, prosecutors said. She suffered a fractured hand, abrasions and lacerations on her head, nose, elbow, forearm and knee cap, according to the DA's office. She also had a swollen lip and bruising on her fingers.

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“Prison is an appropriate outcome for assaults on two older adults,” DA Pete Weir said in a statement, “Our Elder Abuse Unit works closely with law enforcement to protect and bring justice these vulnerable victims.”

The assaults were Kentris' fourth felony conviction, the DA's office said.