The Henry County Attorney’s Office has filed new criminal charges against a former nursing home employee connected to an investigation at New London Specialty Care.
According to a news release issued yesterday, Ashley Bessine, 30, of Burlington, has been charged with four counts of prohibited acts involving controlled substances, classified as Class C felonies, along with one aggravated misdemeanor count of wanton neglect of a resident of a health care facility.
Court records indicate the allegations stem from December 2025, when Bessine was employed as a licensed practical nurse at the facility.
The release states Bessine had previously been charged with four felony counts involving controlled substances, as well as counts of tampering with records and dependent adult abuse. Those charges were filed under former Henry County Attorney Darin Stater.
Henry County Attorney Becky Wilson states the earlier case was dismissed after a required court filing deadline was missed. Under Iowa law, prosecutors must file a Trial Information within 45 days of a defendant’s initial appearance in court. Bessine’s initial appearance was held December 5th, making the filing deadline January 19th.
The Henry County Attorney’s Office says the new charges were filed Wednesday, May 27th.
As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Find the full release here.