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The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs officially confirmed Thursday reports the agency is conducting an investigation of the Ardmore Veterans Center.
A week ago local sources reported ODVA investigators were on the premises of the local veterans center. However, repeated calls earlier to ODVA Executive Director Martha Spear seeking confirmation of the probe were not returned. Thursday The Ardmoreite contacted State Rep. Pat Ownbey R-Ardmore and Sen. Frank Simpson, R-Ardmore for assistance. Both legislators agreed to seek answers.
About 3 p.m. Spear’s issued the following press release:
“The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs is aware of the situation at the Oklahoma Veterans Center in Ardmore. An investigation is currently ongoing; therefore no further comments can be made at this time. We are dedicated to serving and protecting all honorably discharged wartime veterans who make the center their home. We believe the overwhelming majority of our employees are conscientious, dedicated people who share our commitment to caring for our war veterans.”
While the specific nature of the ODVA investigation has not been disclosed, it comes on the heels of an Ardmore Police Department criminal probe that resulted in charges filed in Carter County District Court against Donald Demonbreun. The 47-year-old veteran’s center employee is charged with four-counts of abuse by caretaker. The charges are felonies and accuse Demonbreun of abusing four separate veteran patients. The charges range from incidents that began in April, 2010, and continued through September 2010.
Sgt. Kevin Norris, APD Criminal Investigation Division, said March 4 the criminal investigation indicated at least one victim had reported the abuse to center officials months ago. However, officials had never reported the alleged crime to police. Norris said the investigation that began with one victim and expanded to four was launched more than three weeks ago after the APD received an anonymous letter alleging abuse.
Thursday Ownbey expressed confidence in the ODVA, but pledged to remain vigilant.
“I take this very seriously and believe the ODVA is working thoroughly through these allegations. My communication with Martha Spear, the ODVA director, has led me to believe that they are taking the steps necessary to complete this investigation. I have always been impressed with the level of care offered by the Ardmore Veteran’s Center and as they work through this investigation my belief is that they will continue to make this a top priority,” he said. “I will continue to monitor this situation through its conclusion.”
The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs officially confirmed Thursday reports the agency is conducting an investigation of the Ardmore Veterans Center.
A week ago local sources reported ODVA investigators were on the premises of the local veterans center. However, repeated calls earlier to ODVA Executive Director Martha Spear seeking confirmation of the probe were not returned. Thursday The Ardmoreite contacted State Rep. Pat Ownbey R-Ardmore and Sen. Frank Simpson, R-Ardmore for assistance. Both legislators agreed to seek answers.
About 3 p.m. Spear’s issued the following press release:
“The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs is aware of the situation at the Oklahoma Veterans Center in Ardmore. An investigation is currently ongoing; therefore no further comments can be made at this time. We are dedicated to serving and protecting all honorably discharged wartime veterans who make the center their home. We believe the overwhelming majority of our employees are conscientious, dedicated people who share our commitment to caring for our war veterans.”
While the specific nature of the ODVA investigation has not been disclosed, it comes on the heels of an Ardmore Police Department criminal probe that resulted in charges filed in Carter County District Court against Donald Demonbreun. The 47-year-old veteran’s center employee is charged with four-counts of abuse by caretaker. The charges are felonies and accuse Demonbreun of abusing four separate veteran patients. The charges range from incidents that began in April, 2010, and continued through September 2010.
Sgt. Kevin Norris, APD Criminal Investigation Division, said March 4 the criminal investigation indicated at least one victim had reported the abuse to center officials months ago. However, officials had never reported the alleged crime to police. Norris said the investigation that began with one victim and expanded to four was launched more than three weeks ago after the APD received an anonymous letter alleging abuse.
Thursday Ownbey expressed confidence in the ODVA, but pledged to remain vigilant.
“I take this very seriously and believe the ODVA is working thoroughly through these allegations. My communication with Martha Spear, the ODVA director, has led me to believe that they are taking the steps necessary to complete this investigation. I have always been impressed with the level of care offered by the Ardmore Veteran’s Center and as they work through this investigation my belief is that they will continue to make this a top priority,” he said. “I will continue to monitor this situation through its conclusion.”
Simpson, who serves as vice chairman of the Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Committee, also said he believed in the ODVA’s ability to conduct the probe.
“I am aware of the situation at the Ardmore Veterans Center and I have discussed it in detail with Martha Spear, Director of ODVA. I have the utmost confidence in Mrs. Spear and her staff and I know that any and all allegations are being taken very seriously and that the investigation will be thorough. I also know the well being of the veterans served by ODVA will be their number one priority. I have a close working relationship with the Ardmore Veterans Center and have always been impressed with the level of care shown to all their residents,” Simpson said.
