Former caregiver ordered to stand trial for vulnerable adult abuse

A caregiver at a Clinton County adult foster home faces trial for vulnerable adult abuse, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Thursday.

Andrew House-Carter, 27, of Lansing, was bound over for trial following a preliminary hearing that wrapped Wednesday on the following charges:

• First-degree vulnerable adult abuse, a 15-year felony.
• Assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, a 10-year felony.

A joint investigation between the Department of Attorney General’s Health Care Fraud Division and the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office began last May after a developmentally disabled resident at a Clinton County adult foster care home was discovered with major injuries. The victim survived after being transported to an area hospital and admitted to the intensive care unit. The injuries included a subdural hematoma, fractured sternum, and numerous bruises and marks.    

The department charged House-Carter in January with first-degree vulnerable adult abuse. Clinton County District Court Judge Michael Clarizio added the assault felony charge Wednesday when sending the case to trial, which followed a day and a half of testimony from 10 witnesses.

The testimony in court established probable cause to believe the injuries suffered by the victim were received when House-Carter was the lone caregiver at the home, known as the “Airport Home,” for the night shift spanning May 15 and 16, 2021.

“I am pleased this case is progressing one step closer to providing justice to those involved and we look forward to trial,” said Nessel. “When caregivers harm those entrusted to their care, we stand ready to ensure justice is served. I want to thank the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office for their partnership and professionalism with this case.”

House-Carter waived arraignment in Clinton County Circuit Court. A pre-trial date will be set by the court.

The Department of Attorney General’s Health Care Fraud Division receives 75% of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award totaling $4,846,440 for federal fiscal year 2022. 

The remaining 25%, totaling $1,615,478, is funded by the State of Michigan.