Turn To Tara investigation into alleged abuse at NY veterans home sparks federal action
The U.S. VA Secretary announced he is now taking immediate action, launching removal proceedings against the aide in the video, Matthew Cox.
More Stories
Fallout continues to grow after a Turn to Tara investigation revealed hidden‑camera footage allegedly showing an injured Gulf War veteran being abused inside the state‑run Montrose Veterans Home.
The video, which shows veteran Albert O’Toole appearing to be assaulted by his aide, has sparked outrage from Albany to Washington, D.C.
The U.S. Veterans Affairs secretary announced he is now taking immediate action, launching removal proceedings against the aide in the video, Matthew Cox. News 12 previously uncovered that Cox was still receiving a federal VA paycheck even after being fired from the state‑run facility, which is on the same campus.
O’Toole’s wife, Angela Sangro, said she was relieved to hear the news, telling News 12, “Thank God...it should have happened a long time ago.”
Cox appeared before a judge on Monday on a felony charge of endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person. He had no comment as he entered court. O' Toole's wife, emotional after seeing him for the first time since his arrest, said the experience was “disgusting.”
A bipartisan group of lawmakers held a news conference calling for a top‑to‑bottom review of the Montrose facility and broader investigations by Attorney General Letitia James and other state agencies.
"When we hear of a case of abuse like this in a state-run facility, it is unacceptable," said state Sen. Pete Harckham. "This is not just an isolated case. This cannot happen in a vacuum. Where is the supervision?"
"This is about fractured trust," said Assemblyman Matt Slater.
"I lay a lot of the fault of this at the state department of health," said state Sen. Shelley Mayer.
Sangro says she welcomes the scrutiny but hopes the case prevents other veterans from suffering.
Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace has weighed in, releasing this statement to News 12.
“I am horrified by the allegations of abuse arising out of the VA Hospital in Montrose. As soon as my office was made aware of these allegations, on April 2, we took swift action to arrest the defendant and arraign him on a felony charge.
“The conduct that is visible on the video footage published by News12 is deeply disturbing and cannot be allowed to recur. Those who make the painstaking decision to place a family member in the care of a veteran’s hospital expect that their loved one will be treated with the dignity befitting a military veteran. Sadly, in this case, it appears that standard of care was not met.
“Under my administration, there will be no license for mistreatment of our country’s heroes. I encourage anyone with information about mistreatment or alleged abuse at the VA Hospital, or any other facility caring for our veterans, to call my office’s Elder Abuse Hotline at (914) 995-TIPS (8477). Our investigators will follow up directly with every complainant if contact information is provided,” Cacace wrote.
Asseblyman Slater also sent a letter to the attorney general and to the commissioner of the New York state Department of Health and Veterans Services, demanding a comprehensive and independent investigation and review of all outstanding violations, citations and staffing levels.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE
NYS senators call for veterans home probe after Turn To Tara hidden-camera report
Hidden camera catches alleged abuse at New York state-run veterans home
