Brattleboro Resident Charged with Patient Abuse and Unlicensed Practice as a Nursing Assistant

The Attorney General's Office announced that Jennifer Tyler, 48, of Brattleboro, was arraigned on charges of abusing a patient and engaging in unlicensed practice as a nursing assistant. The charges are the result of an investigation led by the Secretary of State's Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) and referred to the Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud and Residential Abuse Unit (MFRAU) for prosecution.

OPR investigators discovered that Ms. Tyler lied on her application for licensure as a Licensed Nursing Assistant by failing to disclose her criminal history. Upon discovering this issue, OPR notified Ms. Tyler in May of 2025 that her provisional license to practice had been rescinded. Ms. Tyler, however, continued working as a nursing assistant at a nursing home in Vernon, Vermont. Months later, while working without a valid license, Ms. Tyler allegedly slapped an elderly nursing home resident.

Ms. Tyler pleaded not guilty at her arraignment today in Vermont Superior Court, Windham Criminal Division. The Court, Judge Michael Kainen presiding, ordered Ms. Tyler released on conditions.

The Attorney General's Office emphasizes that individuals charged with a crime are legally presumed innocent until their guilt is proven beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

If you suspect someone is being or has been neglected or abused, contact local law enforcement immediately. Neglect and abuse may also be reported to Adult Protective Services by calling 800-564-1612. If you suspect Medicaid fraud, please submit a report using MFRAU's online reporting form .

The Medicaid Fraud and Residential Abuse Unit receives 75 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award totaling $1,497,780 for Federal fiscal year FY 2026. The remaining 25 percent, totaling $499,260 for FY 2026, is funded by the State of Vermont.

Contact: Lauren Jandl, Chief of Staff, 802-828-3171