Print Version

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Attorney General Bill McCollum today announced the arrest of a Broward County woman on charges she abused an elderly woman under her care. Paulette Noble was arrested this morning by law enforcement officers with the Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.

An investigation conducted by the Attorney General’s Patient Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation (PANE) Team revealed that Noble, 62, was employed as a private aide for an elderly woman residing at the Delray Medical Center. Noble allegedly struck the 63-year old victim in the face, then placed a sheet over the woman’s head and continue to hit her. The attack was caught on a video monitor and was reported to supervisors by another employee of the center.

Noble was subsequently fired and the abuse was reported to the Department of Children and Families, which referred the matter to the PANE team. She is being held at the Palm Beach County Jail and faces one count of abusing an elderly person, a third-degree felony. If convicted, she faces up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. The case will be prosecuted by the Palm Beach County State Attorney's Office.

The Attorney General’s PANE Project plays a key role in detecting abuse and neglect of elderly and disabled patients, helping to ensure that efficient and effective health care is being provided. The PANE team operates statewide under the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.