Casper, Wyoming – A Wyoming nursing home caregiver is facing criminal charges after police say she used a silk scarf to tie a resident’s head to a bed, preventing the vulnerable adult from moving throughout the night. Authorities allege the woman deliberately restrained the patient in a way that placed the resident at significant risk.
Incident Overview
According to investigators, the accused caregiver, Julie Ann Cross, 50, worked the overnight shift at a Nowcap residential facility when the alleged abuse occurred. Cross is charged with one felony count of intentional abuse, neglect or abandonment of a vulnerable adult and one misdemeanor count of false imprisonment.
The case came to light on July 14, when morning staff members arrived and made a disturbing discovery. A 53-year-old woman, identified as a vulnerable resident, was found lying in bed with her head tied down by a blue silk scarf, reportedly preventing her from moving her head or attempting to get up.
The details were first reported by Cowboy State Daily, which cited a probable cause affidavit filed by police.
Timeline of Events
The incident happened during the early morning hours at the Nowcap facility located in the 300 block of North Walsh Avenue. A Casper Police Department officer responded to a 911 call placed by a staff member who had just arrived for the morning shift.
When the shift manager attempted to reposition the resident, he noticed the scarf was tied in a way that connected the resident’s hair to the bed frame. According to an additional report from Oil City News, another employee documented the scene by taking photos of the knot, which allegedly took nearly five minutes to undo.
While staff were working to free the resident, Cross reportedly entered the room and attempted to interfere with her co-workers. One employee told police that Cross tried to push a co-worker before reaching for the scarf.
Statements From Staff and Police
One employee questioned Cross about why she had tied down the resident’s head. According to the affidavit shared by Cowboy State Daily, Cross allegedly responded:
“It was to keep the resident from moving.”
She also allegedly claimed the resident’s hair was “matted and smelt.”
Cross then asked staff members whether the resident’s hair had become tangled again, insisting that it had been “getting tangled throughout the night.”
In a police interview the next day, Cross denied intentionally restraining the resident. Instead, she told officers she had only tied the resident’s hair into a ponytail. She further claimed:
“The scarf had fallen and wrapped around the bed… She believes that the patient was tossing her head side-to-side and the scarf got wrapped around again.”
Charges and Court Appearance
Cross appeared in Natrona County District Court on Thursday, where she entered a not guilty plea. Judge Catherine Wilking allowed her release on a $5,000 personal recognizance bond.
During the hearing, Cross confirmed that she had been terminated from her position shortly after the incident.
The integrated source coverage of the case can be found in the report published by Cowboy State Daily.
Key Facts of the Case
- Suspect: Julie Ann Cross, 50
- Victim: Female resident, 53
- Location: Nowcap residential facility, North Walsh Avenue, Casper
- Charges: Felony abuse of a vulnerable adult; misdemeanor false imprisonment
- Date of Incident: July 14
- Bond: $5,000 PR bond
- Status: Pleaded not guilty; employment terminated
Additional Context: Protecting Vulnerable Adults
Cases involving abuse or mistreatment inside care facilities raise ongoing concerns about patient safety and oversight. Vulnerable adult residents often rely entirely on caregivers for mobility, hygiene, and daily needs. Any form of improper restraint—particularly one involving the head or neck—poses significant risks, including restricted breathing, nerve injury, or emotional trauma.
In Wyoming and across the country, state guidelines emphasize that restraints may only be used with documented medical necessity and strict protocols. Improper use is considered a serious violation of resident rights and can lead to criminal charges, employment termination, and revocation of caregiver certifications.
Conclusion
As legal proceedings continue, authorities will determine whether Cross intentionally restrained the resident or whether her actions were negligent. The case has drawn attention to oversight within care facilities and the importance of ensuring vulnerable adults remain safe and protected.
Have you ever witnessed or experienced concerns in a care facility? Share your experiences in the comments below.
