Veterans Affairs suspect may still be in the state-5 vets died in his home

[Maddy McCall]

It is truly criminal the way our veterans are treated!

VA suspect may still be in state

By RYAN LaFONTAINE

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HANCOCK COUNTY - On the run since last week, the 35-year-old man wanted on a dozen counts of abusing vulnerable adults is likely still in the state, investigators said Monday.

The Sun Herald reported last week that authorities believed Leroy Percy Ladnier Jr. was acting as an unlicensed caretaker for as many as seven elderly veterans at a time in his home on Firetower Road, where five patients have died since January. Sheriff's Department officials believe Ladnier was somewhere in north Mississippi on Monday.

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The patients were from the Biloxi Veterans Affairs Hospital, sent to live in the home where Ladnier's grandmother was once authorized by the VA to operate a "residential care home." Roan said when Ladnier's grandmother died in July 2004, Ladnier took over as caregiver for the veterans.

Deputies went to Ladnier's home Friday to arrest him, but instead found a note posted on the front door. The note read: "We have taken Leroy to a psychiatric hospital, because he threatened to kill himself. After a doctor's evaluation, we will contact you."

More at: http://www.sunherald.com/mld/sunherald/news/12280416.htm

Background story:

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Ladnier also is on parole for a 1995 crime, officials said, though they could not divulge what it was.

Investigator Tom Roan said at one time Ladnier's grandmother was authorized to operate a "Residential Care Home" for the Biloxi VA, but when she died in July 2004, Ladnier took over.

"The grandmother was licensed, but when she died the license didn't transfer to Leroy," Roan said. "When you're paid to take care of people, you should take care of them."

Roan said Ladnier's home was put on a list of outside caretakers at the Biloxi VA, and family members would select a home for the patients.

"It's my understanding that the VA gave the people money, and that money was transferred to (Ladnier)," he said.

During a six-month investigation, police searched Ladnier's home, seizing nearly 200 bottles of medications, some of which were prescribed to deceased patients.

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More at: http://www.sunherald.com/mld/sunherald/news/12261191.htm