In an ongoing trial that Attorney Scott Gross is providing representation in, there was a potential weak point highlighted in the prosecution’s case thanks to his thorough research and questioning of a key witness.
The witness is testifying against five Medford nursing home workers who are charged in a resident’s death. The State Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman’s office have accused Kimberly (Attorney Gross’ client) and three other colleagues of ignoring both audible and visual alarms that were indicating that the resident’s pulse and blood-oxygen levels were extremely low. According to the prosecution, they are suggesting that the workers' failure to provide care contributed to the patient’s death.
Attorney Gross Cross-Confronts Key Witness
Providing representation for Kimberly, Attorney decided to look into the witness’ past work history. In court, Leona G. (the witness) told the court that she had quit her former job due to claustrophobia, which kept her from riding in the elevator. However, Attorney Gross quickly revealed that this was a lie the next day in court.
While she was on the stand, Attorney Gross cross-confronted her, asking if she was actually fired from that former position, which was shown on her employment application to Medford Multicare Center. At first, she denied it, claiming she had quit as she previously stated. When Attorney Gross brought up evidence of the employment application, Leona finally admitted that she was actually fired and had lied to the jury.
Witness for Prosecution Gets Plea Deal, Found to Be Lying
Leona is a former nurse’s aide and one of 10 defendants who have been arrested and charged in the death of a 72-year-old resident at their facility. She is not a U.S. citizen and is mother to two children. The prosecution offered her a plea deal that allowed her to avoid jail time and possible deportation in exchange for testifying against the other defendants. You can read the full story by clicking here.