MADISON (WKOW) — A former nurse in Meriter’s neo-natal intensive care unit has been charged with 19 felonies related to child abuse, according to online court records.
Christopher M. Kaphaem, 43, made an initial appearance today in Dane County Circuit Court where a signature bond of $500 per case was set.
Kaphaem had earlier been identified as the subject of an investigation in documents obtained from the state Office of Caregiver Quality.
The investigation began in February following injuries to children in UnityPoint Health-Meriter’s neo-natal intensive care unit revealed abuse going back 11 months, according to a federal agency’s report.
Madison police announced Feb.9, 2018 the department’s special victim’s unit had begun its own investigation following a report of several unexplained injuries to babies at Meriter’s NICU.
On Feb. 13, upon learning of the incident from the Madison Police Department, the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services began an inquiry to determine if the subject of the police investigation was a person that held a state license, according to another email.
Also, on Feb. 16, the Office of Caregiver Quality received a report containing an allegation of caregiver misconduct by a credentialed health care provider that also was forwarded to DSPS.
More on this story at WKOW 27 News