Utica Nursing Home Aide Facing Nine-Count Felony Indictment

A Utica man is facing a nine-count indictment from the Medicaid Fraud Control Board after an incident at the Focus Rehab and Nursing Center in Utica.

According to the State Attorney General's office, 48 year old John Tamba --a certified nurse's aide-- allegedly engaged in forcible sexual contact with a physically disabled female patient earlier this year.

His charges include three counts each of:

• Sexual abuse in the first degree
• Endangering the welfare of a vulnerable elderly person or an incompetent or physically disabled person in the second degree.
• Willful violation of health laws

Tamba was arrested on Monday and sent to the Oneida County Jail with no bail.

If convicted, he faces up to 21 years in prison.