Nurse Refuses to Testify Amidst Aggravated Assault Charges at Argentine Geriatric Home

A nurse accused of assaulting two elderly women at a Mar del Plata nursing home has refused to testify and remains in custody. Nicolás Cichero, 37, faces charges of aggravated serious injury, coercion, and threats, with potential prison sentences ranging from three to sixteen years.

During his arraignment, Cichero denied the threats charge, which stems from alleged intimidating messages sent to a colleague who reported him. The other charges are based on evidence, including security camera footage from the Residencia Geriátrica David, where Cichero worked before being fired. The footage reportedly shows him hitting an 83-year-old resident with a spoon for refusing to eat, followed by verbal abuse and rough handling as he moved her to her room.

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The concurrence of the imputed crimes exposes him to a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 16 years of effective prison time.

Prosecutors stated that the severity of the injuries, particularly the loss of two front teeth in one of the victims, led to the aggravated serious injury charge. A forensic medical examination and consultation with a dentist confirmed the dental damage, which carries significant implications for the victim's ability to eat and poses a risk of aspiration. The coercion charge relates to Cichero's alleged actions toward another resident, though no physical violence was involved in that instance.

The threats charge originated from a coworker who witnessed the abuse and reported it to management. Management reviewed the security footage, confirmed the incidents, and contacted the police. Cichero is currently held at the Batán prison facility as the investigation continues.

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Why don't you die, you old [expletive]?