Thief River Falls Woman Faces 4 Assault Charges
Thief River Falls (trfnews.i234.me) — Kaili Ruth Schrems, 22, faces four gross misdemeanor assault charges involving Oakwood residents.
Police received a report of possible abuse at about 2:49 p.m. on Aug. 3.
The complaint alleges Schrems assaulted two nonverbal residents while working at Oakwood Home.
Both residents were described as vulnerable adults.
Oakwood Home provides support for adults with physical, intellectual, medical, mental health, and behavioral needs.
Schrems began working at the home in February, according to the complaint.
Alleged Abuse Disclosed
The complaint says Schrems spoke with an assistant administrator about the alleged abuse.
Schrems allegedly said she had hit two residents about five times during each shift since April.
She reportedly said she disclosed the conduct because she felt guilty.
After that disclosure, Schrems was removed from the work schedule.
The complaint says Schrems later described the alleged assaults to police.
She allegedly said the contact began with nudging and later became pushing, slapping, and hitting.
Schrems also allegedly admitted punching the residents’ arms with a closed fist.
Kaili Ruth Schrems
She allegedly said she slapped their faces but tried not to leave visible marks.
The alleged assaults happened in residents’ bathrooms and bedrooms, according to the complaint.
Schrems allegedly said those locations made it unlikely that others would witness the incidents.
Guardians Describe Concerns
One resident’s guardian said the resident was nonverbal and may not describe what happened.
The other resident’s guardian visited after the allegations were reported.
The complaint says that resident gestured toward his chest while indicating he had been hit.
The guardian then asked whether someone at the home had hurt him.
The resident reportedly answered yes.
A recorded statement was later taken from the resident with his guardian present.
The guardian asked whether Schrems had hit him.
The resident reportedly answered yes.
He also reportedly said he was scared of Schrems.
Four Charges Filed
Schrems has been charged with four gross misdemeanor counts of fourth-degree assault involving vulnerable adults.
Minnesota law includes fourth-degree assault provisions involving vulnerable adults.
Information about Oakwood services is available through Prairie Community Services.
The charges are allegations. Schrems is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
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