Atrium operator gets more jail in death of client
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Martha F. Bell, the nursing home operator found guilty last week of trying to cover up the death of a client, was sentenced this morning to nearly four years in state prison.
Common Pleas Judge David R. Cashman orderd Mrs. Bell, 60, of West Mifflin, to serve 22 to 44 months in state prison. A jury last week convicted her and the nursing home of neglect of a care-dependent person, involuntary manslaughter and reckless endangerment.
The charges stem from the Oct. 26, 2001, death of Mabel Taylor, 88, who had been a client at the defunct Ronald Reagan Atrium I Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Robinson.
Mrs. Taylor, formerly of Crafton, died after she was locked outside in a courtyard where she succumbed to heart disease and exposure to cold.
Mrs. Bell's sentence is to be served consecutive to a federal prison term.
In October, U.S. District Judge Terrence F. McVerry sentenced Mrs. Bell to serve five years in prison and pay $50,000 in fines following her conviction on one count of health care fraud and eight counts of making false statements on health care matters.
She is to report to a federal prison in West Virginia on Monday to begin that sentence.
Once completed, she will serve the state sentence, which also includes a fine of $25,000, Judge Cashman said.
First Published February 12, 2007 12:00 am
