Abuse case airs on NBC’s ‘Today’

Posted by dolphin (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 9:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Her dad has a lot of guts saying she was just doing her job. All that stuff she had admitted to is not her job.

Posted by crazygirl23 (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 9:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I totally agree with dolphin. THEY ADMITTED TO DOING IT! i know that if i didn't do something others were saying i did, i wouldn't admit to it. they keep denying it, yet aren't doing anything about it. if someone said i did something that i didn't, i sure wouldn't sit back and enjoy it. those girls deserve everything coming towards them. how can they just say it was for fun? seriously?! fun is playing a game or going to a movie. GROW UP!!!! it's so digusting too...yuck! why would you ever WANT to do that to anyone..especially residents like this, that can't even control themselves!! immature and wrong.

Posted by crazygirl23 (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

one more thing-i hope it does air on every news channel. photos and all.

Posted by iamwoman (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 9:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

My daughter was doing nothing more than performing the duties of her job.” Hello, she was doing more than her duties. Were her parents with her at work? I know, their little angel couldn't have possibly been doing these things. HELLO. She admitted to doing these things.

Posted by Katiekalikimaka (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/fpc/d...

“Not all of the charges are as they appear. Much of this has been distorted by the news media. My daughter was doing nothing more than performing the duties of her job.”

Has the MN Department of Health "DISTORTED" their investigative report???

Uuuuggggh!

Posted by anasgrammy (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 9:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

i'm glad it made national news but what are people going to think of Albert Lea ,when it was stated yesterday that these offenders would probably not get any jail time. Just probation and not be allowed to work in another nursing home. I knew they'd end up with a slap on the wrist. They should have to register as sex offenders as far as i'm concerned and do some jail time. They need to be held accountable for what they did.

Posted by realtree (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

what if anything will the county attorney do now that this is on national news? it will be up to him how he represents albert lea! I have seen charges worse than this just get to walk! I would hope the people of albert lea come together and see this thing is completed in the fairest way! the comminunity needs to know the rest of the world knows we did the right thing under the fullest extent of the law! there should be some sort of peace of mind for the family members of the VICTIMS to know this comminunity is sending out a message break the law and be immoral you pay the price!

Posted by Lone_bear (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 10:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

That father must be in denial to think that his daughter did nothing wrong. She also picked on handicapped students in high school, so it’s not an isolated incident. She didn't change after being spoken to about harassing this student, so if she just gets a slap on the wrist she will just keep on bullying and hurting others. She needs to go to jail and maybe she will learn her lesson. As for the people talking it out on the Dance team, they had nothing to do with this. They were unfortunate enough to have one of the monsters on their team. Don't take the sins of one out on the rest of the team. I know for a fact that there are many good girls on dance team. As for Daddy get a life snap yourself back to reality your daughter is a monster for what she did. I hope she gets the maximum penalty the law will allow.

Posted by quinohm (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 10:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I love how in the interview with Ted Bledsoe of A Perfect Cause he mentioned the prosecutor is not taking these charges very seriously. "Even when we look at the prosecutor statements it dosn't sound like they really think it's a big deal" EXACTLY! I am glad he said that since that is the way the majority of us feel.
For those who missed the report this morning here is the story and from there you can watch it.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28051548/
"Much of this has been distorted by the news media" No this has been brought to the light by the news media how serious this really is!

Nelson suck it up and retire! You dont deserve a raise. If this was your loved one you wouldn't find this so minor! Fifth Degree is not appropriate for this... Pre-meditated assult is not fifth degree.

Posted by dillon (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 10:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I hope the county attorney does the right thing by sending these 2 girls to prison for the rightful punishment they deserve. I have no doubt everyone in the U.S. and beyond that have read this article or have viewed this story on TV are in agreement. I cannot possibly imagine the grief the families of the victims are enduring at this time, knowing that their loved ones were treated in such a horrific manner. The parents of these teens should be ashamed if they don't believe their daughters should spend time in jail. What if it were their loved ones being abused in such a manner???

Posted by rlwr51 (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 10:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

To the one who told, Thank You. I can only guess that right now a lot of people are blaming you for all of this attention. "If you had just kept quiet...". Regardless of your role in the beginning (if any), speaking up was the right thing to do. It took a lot of courage. A lot of people will be helped because of your decision. Life right now might be hard, it will get better. Your future will be much easier that it would have been had you not said anything. The most important thing there is, is to be able to look into a mirror, look yourself in the eyes and feel peace.
Second point, I'm glad that the world might finally admit that the most vicious bullies are spoiled little rich girls. It was that way 40 years ago and it won't change until we finally admit it. Somebody's daddy is STILL making excuses. Daddy and Mommy can only run interference for so long, then the real world happens..... You might as teach the way things really are from the beginning... the world revolves around no one...

Posted by phxguy (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 10:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I saw the interview with the father of Ashton Larson this morning. I've pretty much concluded that Ashton's father failed her daughter. He did not bring her up to not be self-absorbed or to possess any basic common courtesies. He also didn't teach her a damn thing about accepting responsibility for her mistakes either. I say the father should be locked up with her daughter.

Posted by phxguy (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 10:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Correction: that should be HIS, not HER, daughter.

Posted by badjuju (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 11:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Realtree!!!!!!

I think you hit it right on the head, but I bet that the charges can not be changed. This is a good community to live in and I think most people outside our city will realize that most people in Albert Lea are very unhappy how this is being handled. We can't help we have a few very sic little girls and a VERY LAME COUNTY ATTORNEY at best!!!!!!!!

Posted by demo1960 (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 11:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think we may know now what the problem is with at least one of these girls. I expect parents to support their children but I also expect them to teach thier children morales and to admit to wrong doings and take the punishment. Evidently Ms Larson's father does not expect that from his child and probably never did.

What I think is great is that Craig Nelson has been trying to sweep this under the rug and now he will be under national scrutiny. Maybe now his failings as county attorney will be brought to light and he will either resign or fired. I expect not - he is one of the most arrogant individuals I have ever come across. Very much like our former administrator. That worked out well for Freeborn county didn't it. In fact Nelson just got a raise.

The attention this is getting will probably be the worst punishment for these girls as well it should be. It is called Karma. This attention will continue so if it is not handled right not only will the citizens of Freeborn county be aware but the whole nation will be aware. But why hasn't anyone in higher authority at the Albert Lea Good Samaritan been made to take responsiblity. That is how it is supposed to work. The buck stops at the top. They are the ones who put those girls there and never kept track of them. Those clients paid money to be there. I hope there is one large lawsuit.

Posted by bobbennett1 (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 11:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Bad things happen, and the crimes themselves don't necessarily reflect on Good Sam or Albert Lea. What has made this a national story is the totally weak response by the county attorney. His charges are a joke, and it is Albert Lea that has become the national laughing stock.

Posted by Albertlea (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 11:42 a.m.

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Posted by MNNURSE (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 11:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I WAS A CNA AND THEN A FLOOR NURSE WORKING AT 2 OF THE 3 NURSING HOMES IN TOWN FOR THE PAST 20 YEARS AND CAN SAY THAT IF 2-3 OF MY CO-WORKERS WENT INTO A RESIDENTS ROOM TO DO THEIR NIGHTLY CARES IT NEVER,NEVER WOULD OCCUR TO ME THAT IN THAT ROOM THE ARE MOLESTING THE RESIDENTS.I HAVE READ PART OF THE CHARGES-PART OF WHAT THEY ADMITTED-I WASN'T ABLE TO READ ALL OF IT,IT MADE ME SICK.
I WATCHED THE MORNING NEWS AND COULD NOT BELIEVE THAT THE FATHER WOULD SAY HIS DAUGHTER DID NOTHING WRONG-SOUNDS LIKE THAT IS PART OF THE PROBLEM.
PLEASE MAKE THE CHARGES FIT THE HORRIBLE CRIMES.

Posted by WashingtonState (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 11:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey Albert Lea -- you hit the big time! You should be so proud of your girls! I had never heard of Albert Lea before this morning. And now I know all I want to know.

What makes this story even more disgusting is the statement made that these "people" (and I hesitate to call them that) most likely won't serve any jail time!! WHAT?!!? What kind of criminal system do you have there?? You really, really need a new prosecuting attorney... someone who cares about ALL of the people, not just the spoiled, rich girls.

If Mr. Larson was attempting to paint his daughter in a better light, he failed miserably. All he did was show how blinded parents are to what their children are doing. He defended her actions... for that he should be ashamed of himself. Zip it, Mr. Larson, you are making her and your family look worse. Rlwr said it best "somebody's daddy is STILL making excuses." Grow up, Mr. Larson, and understand that you had a hand in this. Maybe not physically, but you and her mother raised this girl with an obvious lack of morals, values and ethics. Yes, I am directing this at the Larson's as they opened themselves up for comments when they went public.

Posted by bobbennett1 (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 11:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

One of the families of the abused needs to look into the law on private prosecution. In most jurisdictions, it is possible to bring a criminal case forward when the public prosecutor is reluctant. Don't know about Freeborn County, but this is a remedy where the public prosecutors are out of touch with the citizenry.

Posted by WashingtonState (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 12:01 p.m.

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Posted by saj1003 (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 12:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am from Nebr., just read this disgusting story. Adding injury to insult the County Attorney is not going for prison, he should be run out of town along with those low life kids and that Dad. If that was my family they did that to, I would be at that courthouse demanding prison.
To bad those girls are never going to know what they did was bad, the Parents are telling them they were just doing their jobs,they did nothing wrong.They are probably still laughing about it and enjoying the attention. Also it sounds like they will not ever get any punishment.
I am just beyond disgusted. The nursing home should also press charges and the families should sue those girls for emotional distress on behalf of the victims. Maybe some justice can be done. I used to travel to several Nursing Home Facities for my job, and this is happening alot more than you know. I agree they should have to register as sex offenders, or is not a crime to sexually assult vulnerable adult. Some day you will be in a Nursing Home, remember that. I doubt any one of the Victims, said when they were younger that they wanted to end up in a Nursing home, not being able to care for themselves. lose their dignity and be abused.

Posted by jo2008 (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 12:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The girls should be punished very much so, but I don't think it should be on national news. This coming Sunday on Extreme Makeover will be the family that lives near Albert Lea. When people know that, they're not going to want to see the wonderful things this family did because they're going to relate this show with the girls who have been abusing others. This is too bad for the community and I hope people know that this shouldn't reflect on the community. I lived in Albert Lea for 18 years and I know that many are not happy about this controversy because Albert Lea is a much better place than what is being portrayed.

Posted by scurvydog (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 12:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Now all kinds of companies will want to come here. New high school, new courthouse with a no-guts prosecutor, assaults in our nursing homes...

We had enough of a hard time attracting companies here. This certainly isn't going to help. Who wants to move to a retirment community when those who retire run the risk of harm without consequence?

Posted by scurvydog (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 12:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I know!

Maybe now we can attract criminal sex offenders. No jail time, no ordinance because "it isn't needed".

Posted by 2gr8danes (Lori Meyer) on December 4, 2008 at 12:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I raised a young woman who started as a CNA at one of the nursing homes here in Albert Lea when she was 15. She was raised to accept responsibility for her actions. She graduated high school and put herself through nursing school as a CNA and she was very good at it. It breaks my heart to believe that a parent would say that their child was "performing her duties" after that child has admitted to such disgusting activities. I feel for the families of these girls and at the same time can't help but feel that they have contributed to the problem. We cannot raise our children to believe that the authority figures in their lives are always wrong. When they have a disagreement or dispute with a teacher, the teacher is the authority and when they are correcting the students for something they did wrong it is our duty as parents to stand behind the teacher. When I was in school what the teacher did for punishment was the easy part! When my parents found out I was punished at home too! These girls have been led to believe their whole lives that they are above reproach. They don't even understand that this is serious, they just figure mommy and daddy will "fix" it for them like all the other times.

I do hope that the prosecuting attorney can look inside himself and see what his job is in this case. It is not making sure that these girls know right from wrong, that should have been taken care of a long time ago. His job is to see that they are punished to the fullest extent of the law.

I pray to God for all of the individuals affected by this situation including the girls. I hope that they can make things right in their lives and live wih what they have done. I hope that the families of the victims can have peace in their lives after all of this is finished.

Posted by cincymom (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 1:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As the daughter of an Alzheimer's patient, I am sickened beyond belief at what these young women have done. The thought of them only receiving "probation" for these horrendous crimes seems a crime in itself! I hope the people of your community will express to your elected officials and prosecutor the need for a much harsher punishment. The entire nation/world is now aware of these appalling acts--please set a good example and let others know that abuse of the elderly will not go unpunished. Someday it could be your mother/father/wife/husband.

Posted by Albertlea (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 1:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jo2008; I lived in that hole for ten years. The best thing I ever did was get out. From the drunken county hack losers who can't make it on the outside, to the drugged up spoiled rotten kids that terrorize local businesses and residents; Albert Lea and Austin should be annexed to Iowa. North Iowans are just as bad with all their dirty casino money.

Don't even get me started on all the country meth. labs and farmers wives prostitution rings. Anything goes in that area. If you don't believe how bad it is just look at the kind of people milling about at the Super Wal-Mart. That gene pool needs a lot of chlorine.

Posted by Albertlea (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 2:09 p.m.

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Posted by jack_hansen (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 2:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We as a community need to band together and demand that these girls get the maximum penalty for their actions. By giving them a slap on the wrist, its basically telling them that they can take advantage of anyone without fear of consequences.

From what I've read about these girls, they are the type that like to make other people's lives miserable. People who get enjoyment from hurting others have no place in society. They have a sad and lonely exsistance ahead of them.

Make them register as sex offenders for the rest of their lives, that way they will always remember Albert Lea and their crime.

Posted by minnesota (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 2:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Attorney Craig Nelson at some point in his life might be cared for by a CNA. I hope he doesn't regret his stance on these charges. These girls and others who are doing these types and things that we haven't heard about need to know how seriously our community takes any harm done to our loved ones. Folks who are vulnerable need someone to stand up for them. Who will that be? Not our county attorney it seems.

Posted by demo1960 (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 2:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Just think how nice our brand new fancy courthouse will appear on all the national news channels when the cases actually go to trial. Let the nation know how Freeborn county rams things down the Freeborn county citizens throats. And then let them know that our esteemed county attorney has just received a raise. This story is only growing not abating.

Posted by lordus0317 (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 2:41 p.m.

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Posted by wingo (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 2:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Albertlea -- I for one am glad you moved out of Albert Lea, you sound like a real loser, I rank you with the rest of the bad news we are getting. Every town has it's problems, Albert Lea is not the only one. You must really be jealous of the Extreme Makeover Family, too bad you don't have a heart. I think you need to take a long, long, look in the mirror, you are pathetic. I would really like to see what's in your closet!!!! I just bet you have a lot of skeletons in there. I still pray that these victims and families will find some justice.

Posted by FLY (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 2:48 p.m.

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Posted by Iowagrl (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 2:49 p.m.

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Posted by minnmom (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 2:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i feel so bad for the people that live in albert lea my grandmother is there thank god she is not at good sams but i do know many people that work there and are good at there jobs. but wow them girls are sick. lots of my family live there i feel bad for the town cuz it is a nice little town just a few bad seeds of course.

Posted by Truth (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 3 p.m. (Suggest removal)

People remember there are outsiders reading these post because this is a national story now. Lets look at how we have shown Albert Lea to the world. Here is what we have shown them so far:

A city that takes away hard working people's right under silly ordinaces.

A town who has rasied 2 girls to be so cold as to take advantage of those they should have helped.

A city who has no economic base.

A city that will not listen to it's people.

The list can go on but do not attack everyone who is telling us that the Emperor has no clothes.

Posted by aquamarine (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 3:07 p.m.

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Posted by mnangel (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 3:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am ready to puke over the fact that the attorney--Craig is writing this off. Are you kidding me? They will have jail hanging over their head if they do something else. You mean if they get caught. Who's to say that these sick girls won't try doing something to a child? They go for vulnerable people don't they?! Can you imagine what everyone watching Extreme Makeover Sunday night will be thinking? Not that the DeVries are getting a well deserved house but isn't that house near the town that the sicko girls live in and they are probably going to get off with a slap on the wrist. Maybe they will get "spat" on. I no longer live in Albert Lea but the next time I am asked where I am from I will definitely not say there!! Those girls and Craig Nelson have ruined everyone's reputation. Shame on you!

Posted by minnmom (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 3:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

it is not the town that is the problem the thing is that no matter where you are you have crap that gose on and at least maybe now that it is national somthing might get down with it all albert lea is not bad cuz of a few people there is trash all over and its all around you. you might not hear of it as much but it is there

Posted by minnmom (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 3:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

opps sorry cant spell today

Posted by OneVoice (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 3:49 p.m.

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Posted by albertleanative (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 3:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ok, everyone let's as Albert Leans be angry. Angry at the perps. Angry at Nelson. I totally agree. But I also think we need to band together and be sure the rest of the world who is pinning this on ALL ALBERT LEANS know that we don't support what these girls did and we certainly do not support Nelson!!!!! Instead of bickering about it on here, let's jump on those other site postings and stand up for our NORMAL community. Everyone in the world is attacking us on our own websites...let's jump out there and speak out for ourselves. No way do we accept Nelson and those disgusting girls! We are angry and we are shouting about it. The majority of us in our community are giving humans who pull together in time of need. Let's not let these losers ruin it for us or turn us against each other.

Posted by dolphin (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 4:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You need to remember that the other 4 didnt do anything, they just failed to report it. That is not the same. They were all afraid to report it cause they didnt want to lose friends. Havent you ever been under peer pressure or anything on that order. I still feel sorry about the other four because they got pulled into it.

Posted by OneVoice (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 4:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with albertleanative, Albert Lea is a good place yes obviously we have our scum just like EVERY other community has but the actions of a few should not have to reflect upon the community as a whole. I have grew up in Albert Lea and have lived in several other areas and made my way back here - those other places were no better than Albert Lea and had their share of problems. I just would like to say to the world reading these comments - do not judge us by these actions of these scum.

Posted by nesaajr (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 4:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great, just Great girls, now due to your inappropriate, unethical, immoral, lude behavior and Mr. Larson going on National Media the City of Albert Lea just got a HUGE BLACK EYE.

It is so, so, SAD, that this will greatly overshadow this weekend's airing of the 'DeVries Family' - 'Extreme Home Makeover'. Now, everybody will be saying, Oh, Albert Lea, thats where a bunch of young Girls just got charged with (Sexual Assualt) or "including criminal abuse of a vulnerable adult and assault in the fifth degree".

Please, Oh Please young Women, Plead Guilty and be done with it. Please Do Not plaster the good name of Albert Lea over the National Media anymore than you have already.

I can just see property values dropping and any potential employers shying away from locating in Albert Lea with all of this Negative PRESS/MEDIA attention.

Posted by dolphin (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 4:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Somebody said something about a big plane flying in, who was it? It had something to do with this story i guess.

Posted by controlledhyperness (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 4:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

That would be me...it was either a leer jet or comercial liner (smaller one) bringing in who I guess(ed) was the NBC exec...except at the time I had no clue who it was or why. Guess we know now huh?

Posted by NYork (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 4:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Who's holding Mr. Anderson accountable for the decision to place these unsupervised girls in the Angel Wing or any other ward? The buck needs to stop at his door.

Posted by aquamarine (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 5:07 p.m.

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Posted by NYork (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 5:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's an issue that needs to be addressed NOW. I can't believe the good citizens of Albert Lea aren't demanding his resignation NOW.

Posted by 57boy (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 5:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

maybe their behavior is a learned one ,so they grow up thinking it is ok.

Posted by dj8887 (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 5:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I wonder if these girls were voted at their Senior banquet in high school...... "MOST LIKELY TO SUCCEED".

Posted by 57boy (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 5:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

evryone that can should be at the hearing on Jan. 21 st.Carry picket signs,etc!!!!WE NEED A GOOD OLE PROTEST RIGHT NOW.Let this city & county know we are sick of all the favortism & two sets of rules around here!!!!!run the officials out of town who don't want to do their jobs!!!!!!!

Posted by bobber (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 5:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hello good citizens of Albert Lea from afar. I don't mean to get in your business, but from reading the comments here, alot of you seem to be concerned about how your town is going to be viewed nationwide. I think that most Americans, as do I, will realize that you all are as appalled by these despicable acts as the rest of the country. Maybe even more so because it's so close to home for you guys. It seems in any town, large or small, there are always going to be the handful of people that seem to have no conscious and reflect badly on an area filled with otherwise good people. But you are the ones that will have to pressure the local County Attorney to go for more than the proverbial "slap on the wrist". Then American will say "Good job Albert Lea."
Hopefully, if nothing else, the national spotlight will help you all to force this attorney to seek a punishment more suiting the crime.
I, for one, will be watching Extreme Home Makeover to see the true heart of this part of our great country, not judging it by the actions of a few deviants.

Posted by eastcoastgal (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 5:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Suffer the shame of your children parents. Post these lovely girl's photos in every newspaper coast to coast and don't forget what they did to your parent, daughter or son. I'm ashamed to exist in a world where such people live.

Posted by bigbear (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 5:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Mr. Larson you got to be kiddn, better hope one of your daughters friends doesn't have a job if you ever have to be in some home or the way it sounds you think it's ok, you're one sick ind. that's for sure

Posted by bigbear (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 5:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Mr. O'reilly will be in town to see all involved including Mrs. Nelson oh wait maybe Mr. Nelson can't tell the difference, this should be good to see how our attorney holds up, i'm guessing he'll hide or be out of town or no comment your a joke and we gave your ass a raise.
GOOD OLD ALBERT LEA I TALK TO PEOPLE ALL OVER THE COUNTRY EVERYDAY AND I'LL BET 7 OUT 10 JUST LAUGH

Posted by Reader8 (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 5:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm just thankful the Tribune decided to print their names.

Posted by controlledhyperness (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 6:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

O'Reilly is coming to town? Is this a fact or a wish?

Posted by bigbear (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 6:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

O'reilly's team is coming to town, I've e-mailed everyday since this happened and called in today on his radio show, he said this is one of the sickest stories he's read and they are finding time to come, call your self tomorrow his number is the fox website!! This can't be just left with our County Attorney my god

Posted by taxpayer (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 6:23 p.m.

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Posted by OldTrojan (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 6:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Albert Lea: The mayor who stole from Dayton's, the burning of Farmland, and now the girls alleged to have sexually abused vulnerable adults in a nursing home. What is this town coming to? It is a very sad day for Albert Lea, Freeborn Co., and the state of Minnesota.

Posted by bigbear (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 6:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

One persons e-mail helps to O'Reilly but everyone else please send your comments to him at oreilly@foxnews.com
It sure won't hurt, the country already knows so at least lets make it worth our emarresment

Posted by mommyof3 (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 6:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think that the girls all need to do Jail so that they know what they have done is wrong. i feel bad to say that i know one of the girls very personal and everyone called her a perfect angel well i guess they are wrong.

Posted by 57boy (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 6:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

but HEY!!!! We're getting the A.L.International Airport !!!Is our's big enough !!!!!Where will O'Reily land!!!!How about CNN,FOX & the rest !!!!!!!!

Posted by mommyof3 (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 6:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i guess i need to say more about this. My brother in law had to do 8 years for breaking in to his own house. The girls can hurt elderly people and do no time wtf is wrong with the courts?

Posted by outoftowner (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 7:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

OldTrojan, don't forget about that Farris character who is still on payroll as a Freeborn County deputy who "allegedly" molested a teen boy under his care. I bet O'Reilly would love to know that. Way to go city council, you tried forever to keep AL small because you were scared of what a big city would mean. Looks like you kept all the riffraff and sent all the decent people out of town. Can you say backfired.

Posted by Opinionated (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 8:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Who needs the legal system, all of you people have already been judge and jury. Lets grab the pitch forks and torches.

Posted by wingo (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 8:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Opinionated -- We are screaming because of the county atty. not doing his job. When someone admits to what they did they should get more than a slap on the hand. YOU THINK!!! Yes, we need a legal system, but one that is going to work for the victims and not the criminals. Yes you are innocent until proven guilty, but proper charges need to brought against the criminals.

Posted by ElderLaw (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 8:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I really hope that the relatives of the abused elderly residents, sue Brianna Broitzman and Ashton Larson, because of Broitzman and Larson's abuse of the elderly and disabled. It is against the law to discriminate against anyone because of a disability or because of their age, and to do so is punishable by law. These two Elder Abusers: Brianna Broitzman and Ashton Larson need to go to jail, for their sexual, physical, mental, emotional and verbal abuse of their helpless, disabled, elderly victims. If a man had sexually abused 15 elderly, disabled residents, the man would have been considered a serial sex offender and would have been sentenced to jail for years! Justice must be done for the elderly, who were abused by Brianna Broitzman and Ashton Larson! Sue both of them, and attach their wages for the settlement.

Posted by Unbelievable (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 8:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I cant beieve that this even happen. What were these girls thinking? What would you girls do if this was your PARENTS, Or GRANDPARENTS? You are all so disgusting how could you live with doing something like this? My heart goes out to the victims and there famlies. These girls need the book throwing at them but will this happen? 1st of all they need to bring in a different Judge because he is friends with one of the girls Parents. So will this all turn out fair? Hummmm. Nelson needs to be fair these charges should be a felony. 2 of the girls went to go work in IOWA WHO WOULD HIRE THESE SICKO? You all should get what you deserve and i hope its harsh. You all need to GROW UP!!!!! and they should all be tried as Adults!!!!

Posted by realtree (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 9:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Opinionated: I for one have driven while intoxicated and was charged with a gross misdemeanor and convicted! I served 10 days in the county jail, fined $1100.00 and was on two years of supervised probation ! was i wrong? yes I was, but the charges fit the crime . in this case the charges DO NOT FIT THE CRIME! I am worried that the county attorney will just let this slide and be no jail time and little if any probation! these girls need help! before anyone can get help they need to first admit they were wrong! I do not see that happening here I see all this being slid under the carpet! I am not judge and jury I just think they should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law! I do not see Mr Nelson doing so! what did you expect these people to say nothing! it was Mr Nelson's quote "If found guilty, they “most likely will face suspended jail sentences and probation,” Freeborn County Attorney Craig Nelson said.

if you think we are all judge and jury what does that make Mr Nelson when he has already tried the case in his quote?

Posted by MDonovan (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 9:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Its very Sad, But lets not make two victoms out of this! Its time to forgive and move on. I dont think these Girls had any idea of the harm the caused. It is very sad but they need a chance to redeem there self's.Please rememeber all the Things that you did that you dont want put in paper.

Posted by MDonovan (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 9:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Let Go Let God

Posted by ElderLaw (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 9:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The families of the abused, disabled and elderly nursing home residents, should find a good elder law attorney, who will take their case on a "contingency" basis (They pay the attorney nothing if he loses. If the attorney wins, he takes a percentage of the settlement). Brianna Broitzman and Ashton Larson could be sued for their abuse and discrimination of elderly people and people with disabilities. Also, several of the relatives of the abused, elderly, disabled residents could get together and file a class action law suit, which could
involve all of them as the plaintiffs, on behalf of their abused realtives. Others on this blog, mentioned that the two abusers had also abused disabled students in school. There are federal laws against discrimination of the disabled. Broitzman and Larson's abuse should not be tolerated in school, or anywhere else. It is against the law to discriminate against anyone because of a disability or because of their age.

Posted by mk070106 (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 9:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am just really confused by this whole situation. How are these girls NOT going to be registered sex offenders. If they did the same thing in a daycare that they did in the nursing home they would be considered one?! This is a VERY serious situation and I feel like this county attorney doesn't even care! Probation for mentionally and emotionally raping my and their elders?! This world is turning out to be a sick sick place if all they get is a slap on the wrist!
And for the LARSON family to say this is brought on by the media did he forget their daughter ADMITTED to all of her horrific charges?! At least the Broitzman family is smart enough to keep their mouth shut!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by mk070106 (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 9:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

oh and MDonovan are you serious?! they didn't understand hitting a man in the genitals or rubbing them was wrong or poking a womans breast is wrong what about spitting in their mouths OR covering their mouths when they scream? hmm the latter proves THEY KNEW WHAT THEY DID WAS WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!
so get off your high horse they will not be able to redeem themselves, this town is too good for them!

Posted by LittleMissLennon (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 10:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have one word... Karma. The entire nation hates these girls now, and, to be honest, I think that THAT punishment is MUCH worse than going to prison for a very long time (NOT that I'm opposed to them doing so; rather, I hope they DON'T get just a slap on the wrist)... thank God for background checks. At least they'll never be able to find a job in health care or child care... or anything of the sort, really.

Posted by dede (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 10:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

MDonovan
We'll let go let God right after the eye for an eye part.
The only reason they are sorry is because they got caught. I think they, as well as their parents, need a good long therapy appointment.

Posted by bow848 (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 10:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Mdonovan-
I hope you're not the teacher "Ms. Donovan" that was teaching at ALHS when I was in school. How could you possibly say they didn't know what they were doing was wrong??? They were SPITTING into patients mouths! Poking them in the genitals! Laughing when they would get upset! And they were "smart" about it too, they only targeted patients whom they KNEW would not be able to verbally give a credible history due to their mental state, which proves they KNEW IT WAS WRONG!! If they didnt' think it was wrong, why did they target dementia patients? Why not grab the genitals of ALL the patients if it was so darn funny?

They are 18 and 19 years old...they are considered "adults" if they don't know right from wrong at age 18...well then, God have mercy on all of us.

Posted by OldTrojan (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 11:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

MDonovan: I have made mistakes and I will make more mistakes. However, I have never sexually abused vulnerable adults and have never made a mistake of this magnitude. Hang it up!

Posted by dolphin (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 11:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Did they print the other girls names?

Posted by Zaphod (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 11:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The charges brought against these girls are deeply disturbing. They are getting worldwide attention because the abuse occurred in the heartland of the midwest - a place that (rightly or wrongly) people generally view as possesing moral and ethical standards a good bit higher than the rest of the country.

This case is a certainly hurting that image. But, to be perfectly honest, do you really think that the comments posted here are doing anything to repair that damage or cast Albert Lea in a more positive light?

It's all finger-pointing and fist-shaking and outrage over the legal system's apparent inability to demand and exact the kind of severe punishment that we would each want to see imposed on anyone that abused and violated our own elderly relatives. OK - it feels good to vent, and by doing it here you get a big and appreciative audience for your anger, but the result is to portray Albert Lea as a community that apparenly believes that its redemption depends entirely and exclusively on whether severe punishments are successfully imposed on those responsible for some very vile acts.

Aside from fixating on whether these girls go to jail and for how long - has Albert Lea done anything to address the issue of how the community can do a better job of equiping its children with the basic moral and ethical sensibilities that these girls so obviously lacked? Using this incident to focus on the underlying problem may not be as satisfying as slamming the cell door shut on a bunch of amoral creeps - but it's not a bad idea. I'd bet that a lot of reporters can't wait to ask the question, "As a result of this case, is Albert Lea doing anything specific to support or reinforce the moral and ethical development of its children?" It might be useful to give some thought as to what the answer will be...

Posted by nisperos (anonymous) on December 5, 2008 at 1:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The alleged acts are disgusting and the punishment should fit the crime.

What might some of the motivations have been?

Power (control) and mastery?

Revenge and retaliation?

Sadism and degradation?

Punishing the victim because of conflicted feelings about their own sick interests?

Anger, frustration, or boredom due to some personal situation?

Participation in the acts or keeping secrets as a part of strengthening and confirming the social bond among the gang?

What was the basis of victim selection?

Availability and vulnerability?

Why such poor judgment?

Why such inability to self-correct despite some awareness of potential consequences (as demonstrated by attempting to keep the actions secret when performing)?

Since one of the dads sees fit to talk...

I wonder if the quality of family lives in these women's homes was anything but poor, despite outward appearances of stability?

I wonder if the their homes were generally happy, or to the contrary, the women experienced cruel, abusive, manipulative, or intrusive parenting?

Posted by aka_sodapop (anonymous) on December 5, 2008 at 1:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This in regards to the two teen caregivers that have been charged with physical, sexual and emotional abuse of 15 Alzheimer's disease and dementia patients at a Minnesota nursing home; Brianna Marie Broitzman, and Ashton Michelle Larson.

After reading the police report and hearing of this incident over the news……..This sickens me and I am completely appalled! I think these young women need to be charges as adults, should do serious jail time Also they should be put on the sexual offenders list.

These women should have to pay the consequences of their actions..... anyone else would, I really don’t care of their age or if they were voted the prettiest, most popular or were on the pep squad- what they did was WRONG.

I worked in nursing for twenty two years and started at the age of sixteen, I worked with Alzheimer's patients for six years; I nor did anyone I every worked with ever did anything like what these women did. They should be ashamed of themselves, and should be held accountable for their actions. These women are deviants in the eye of society and especially in the eyes of the medical field.

I believe in karma and may God have pity on your souls girls, and if not remember what goes around comes around- I hope when that happens, you can laugh as you did when you did those unspeakable things to those poor helpless elderly people. I hope you carry the sorrow of those patients and family members for eternity.

To the patients and family members my heart goes out to you.

Totally Appalled in Colorado

Posted by professional (anonymous) on December 5, 2008 at 2:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

siouxsuck-
Give it up already. We have heard your broken record comment about the four minors enough. The problem most of us can't comprehend is minors (especially at their age) should know this was drastically inappropriate behavior and report it. Any NORMAL person would have ratted out their friends in this type of situation. Even my five year old nephew has more compassion and knowledge not to do this sort of cruelty so that is why so many people are grouping them together.

Zaphod-
The community should not be responsible for the "basic and ethical sensibilities" these sickos lack. It is very evident where the "lack of" came from with Ashton Larson - her dad! I gasped when I heard his pathetic comments on NBC. As a parent, I would be trying to get my daughter therapy, express sympathy for the victims/families, ask for forgiveness for the daughter's actions, and lastly NOT accept the behavior as normal duties for the job.

jo2008-
I sure hope people around the world are not so shallow as to group everyone in Albert Lea based on this case. Many cities have high murder rates, prostitution, drug busts, etc., but we do not go around saying everyone in those cities are grouped into those categories. The hope I have is some wonderful person has been following this story and sees the need to run for Craig Nelson's position so we can finally have the professionalism and unbiased justice that we deserve. Also, please do not connect the DeVries' home with the Good Sam publicity because that family has a heart of gold and deserves respect.

Posted by lorelei65 (anonymous) on December 5, 2008 at 4:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I have never been to Albert Lea, but I am sure it is full of many great people just like the small town in Wright county, where I live.
I emailed your County Attorney. I urged him to prosecute the case and let a judge or jury decide if crimes were committed (I think they were) and decide the fate of the "alleged" perpetrators. As long as they were never aquitted, charges can be refiled, ramped up etc. Pressure him. The rest of the nation is behind you on this. I have to believe that he knows he will never be elected again and his legacy will be dropping the ball on this case.
Best wishes to all of you!

Posted by Albertlea (anonymous) on December 5, 2008 at 7:14 a.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by observer (anonymous) on December 5, 2008 at 7:28 a.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by mk070106 (anonymous) on December 5, 2008 at 7:30 a.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by mk070106 (anonymous) on December 5, 2008 at 7:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

wingo your fricken HILARIOUS!!!
if you hate this community so much don't read OUR PAPER!!
you are obviously bitter cuz you are a terrible business person and cant handle keeping one open. Sorry bout that but don't blame us....
I have lived here my whole life and this town has changed A TON! it's a small community of course we aren't going to have the income that MPLS does to keep business's open.

As for the Extreme Makeover comment are you jealous or something? seriously Don't even say that one person is more deserving than the next you don't know their situation. I don't even know the family I was just happy the show came here and helped them. And MY COMMUNITY worked 24 hour days to make the house possible. As for who won the chance to receive the house was not in our hands it was in ABC's hands so why don't you cry to them that you don't think the most deserving family got the makeover. Get a life and comment on your own paper to a community that cares what you say.....

Posted by candy1230_16 (anonymous) on December 5, 2008 at 7:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Send them to jail, no probation. These pretties need to learn about power and abuse first hand!!! Provide an example to the world that we don't tolerate people that abuse others. If it were a child they abused theywould go to jail!!! Should the elderly alzeimers patients!!! My mother has alzeimers and sadly we had to finally put her in a home. I want to learn when the trial is going to be . Albertlea is close to where I live in Iowa!!!! COUNTY ATTORNEYS DO NOT TAKE A PLEA DEAL ON THIS CRIME.!!!!!!! If they were crack head looking people, they would go to jail. Just because they are young and pretty, DON"T TAKE A PLEA!!!!!

Posted by marine (anonymous) on December 5, 2008 at 7:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This whole thing makes me sad!! How could ANYBODY do something like this to people. I am an aide myself but when i work w residents i feel as they are my family, how could you do this? I've grown up to respect everyone! I think this is a big issue today the children now days don't learn this enough!! I would be so upset if my child even in any reguards disrespected anyone!!! What happened to treat those the way you want to be treated!!! These girls NEED to be punished just like anyone else would be!!! Not given a slap on the wrist because they are young and girls thats B.S. They knew hole heartly what they were doing

Posted by guss (anonymous) on December 5, 2008 at 8:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

for all the good young , talented people in Albert lea Minnesota......get out...while you can

Posted by cincymom (anonymous) on December 5, 2008 at 9:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Could someone please post an email address for your county attorney? There are many of us across the US who would love to let him know how we feel about the slap on the wrist he seems to feel fits this crime. Would he feel the same way if it were his wife or mother who had been sexually abused by these teens? I bet not! Please let us add our voices to yours in demanding harsher punishment.

Thank you-

Posted by nisperos (anonymous) on December 5, 2008 at 10:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

As I've posted before, I encourage everyone to read the Office of Health Facility Complaints Investigative Report:
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/fpc/d...

It's 15 pages long, and hard to get through, but keep going back and then perhaps print it out so you can make better sense of it.

Of the 15 alleged victims, there were 12 females and 3 males. At the time of the report in August of 2008, 3 of the 15 victims were deceased; 1 male and 2 females.

It makes me wonder if, not only the consideration that the alleged perps (APs) were women, but that most of the victims were women is bearing on the consideration of how to prosecute?

At the time of the August 2008 Investigative Report:

According to their personnel files, all the APs received orientation and training including but not limited to: resident rights, behavior management and problem solving with challenging behavior, abuse and neglect, mandated reporting of abuse and neglect, and the Vulnerable Adults Act.

1) AP #1 had been working at the facility roughly 14 months until suspended early May 2008. She admitted to a police detective that she had spit in a female resident's mouth, that she poked another female resident in the "boobs", and that she had pinched a 4rd female resident in the nipple.

Other employees witnessed or heard about other alleged actions.

2) AP #2 had been working at the facility roughly 22 months until suspended early May 2008. She admitted to taking a video of another AP in a male resident's room where the other AP "might have hit his hat off, and he yelled out and called us, Whore pigs." AP #2 also admitted to sticking her finger up a female resident's rectum, but stated it was to stimulate a bowel movement, something which she did not report to the nurse on duty.

Other employees witnessed or heard about other alleged actions.

Posted by nisperos (anonymous) on December 5, 2008 at 10:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Correction:

"and that she had pinched a 4rd female resident in the nipple" should read: "and that she had pinched a 3rd female resident in the nipple"

Posted by realtree (anonymous) on December 5, 2008 at 6:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

for those outside the comminunity this is the email to city and county employee's

http://www.city.albertlea.org/officials....

http://www.co.freeborn.mn.us/attorney/de...

Posted by minnesotaguy (anonymous) on December 7, 2008 at 1:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I would like to say i am very disappointed in the residents of Albert Lea that are getting involved in the "witch hunt". Don't get me wrong the girls should be held accountable for their actions, but do you think the state just gave the case back to Nelson without any advice or suggestions as to what he could actually charge them with? In my opinion Albert Lea is a great place to live there is alot of caring and extremely nice people in our community! Why can't we drop the witch hunt until the COURT system releases the names (not all the wanna be detectives posting) And concentrate on restoring the name of our town? There can be alot of great things going on in your town, but it seems the few with way too much negative energy seem to bring everyone else's attitudes down. If your not happy with something in our town - GET OUT THERE and help make it better! The nation is watching Albert Lea, MN....what better time to band together and show them that we are better then that?

Posted by feedman (anonymous) on December 10, 2008 at 8:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

i used to live in al and guess what there alot of good people that lives there. also i think what was done is bad but for all of you to voice your feelings isn't helpling anythi ng. i feel sorry for these gals as they could be our kids. but alot of you would say know not mine wouldn't do that. guess what it can. some of you don't know what you are talking about.