Three employees at The Grand at Mohawk Valley in Ilion, New York, were indicted after a 34-year-old resident who required continuous one-on-one supervision choked on a meatball and was allegedly left face-down at a dining table for nearly 90 minutes. Prosecutors say the resident had documented swallowing difficulties and was at high risk of choking. Administrator Michael Sutter is accused of ending the mandated supervision, while dietary aide Mary Stocking and nurse Mara Lasher are accused of failing to summon help; Stocking also faces a manslaughter charge. The New York Attorney General emphasized a policy of zero tolerance for abuse and neglect; court proceedings are pending.
Three Nursing Home Staff Indicted After 34-Year-Old Resident Chokes on Meatball and Is Left Face-Down for 90 Minutes
The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing at Mohawk Valley/Facebook
Three employees at The Grand at Mohawk Valley in Ilion, New York, have been criminally indicted after prosecutors say a 34-year-old resident who required continuous one-on-one supervision choked on a meatball and was left unassisted, face-down at a dining table for nearly 90 minutes. The New York Attorney General’s Office confirmed the charges in a statement released Sept. 17, 2025.
What Happened
According to prosecutors, the resident had been admitted to the facility three days earlier with clear instructions that she required constant, one-on-one supervision. Medical records and investigators said she had conditions that made swallowing solid food difficult and put her at high risk of choking.
On Aug. 23, 2025, during a lunch service, the woman allegedly took a meatball from another resident’s leftover tray and began to choke. Investigators allege that dietary aide Mary Stocking saw the incident but did not summon help. Nurse Mara Lasher is accused of later seeing the woman unresponsive and “slumped face down” on the table yet failing to check on her condition. The woman reportedly remained in that position for nearly 90 minutes before other staff moved her to her room and called 911. She was pronounced dead after emergency responders arrived.
Allegations Against Staff
The three employees—Mary Stocking, 74 (dietary aide); Mara Lasher, 33 (nurse); and Michael Sutter, 42 (administrator)—were indicted in Herkimer County. Prosecutors allege that Sutter discontinued the mandated one-on-one supervision after the resident’s first night at the facility.
The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing at Mohawk Valley/Facebook
All three face charges including first-degree endangering the welfare of a vulnerable older adult or an incompetent or physically disabled person and willful violation of health laws. Stocking is additionally charged with second-degree manslaughter.
Official Response and Next Steps
New York Attorney General Letitia James said her office has “zero tolerance for abuse and neglect of those in need of care.”
At the time of the announcement it was not immediately clear whether any of the defendants had entered pleas. The case will proceed through the Herkimer County legal system, where indictment files and subsequent court dates will provide further details.
Context
This indictment highlights concerns about supervision, staffing decisions, and adherence to care plans in long-term care facilities. Authorities say the charges reflect alleged failures to follow explicit care instructions for a resident at high risk of choking.
Note: The facts above are based on statements from the New York Attorney General’s Office and reporting from Law&Crime. The accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
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