Spotlight on Paradigm

To the editor:

Having no news from Sen. Kolkhorst on the subject I’ve done some “looking into it” myself. Here is a updated laundry list of their violations and criminal cases I could find: In the last three years (2023–2025), Paradigm Healthcare’s Texas facilities have been involved in at least four major criminal indictments involving individuals and numerous civil lawsuits.

Criminal Violations & Indictments (2024–2025) The most severe criminal actions are centered on the Paradigm at the Oak facility in Schulenburg following a November 2024 sexual assault incident: Administrator Indictment: In June 2025, a Fayette County Grand Jury indicted the facility’s former administrator, Pamela Kay Noell, on three felony charges: Tampering with or fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair.

Obstruction or retaliation.

Tampering with a witness. Details: Investigators allege Noell instructed staff not to report a sexual assault between residents to the police or seek medical care for the victim.

Resident Indictment: In April 2025, a 75-year-old resident, Kenneth Buel Williams Jr. (a registered sex offender), was indicted for the sexual assault of a female resident that allegedly occurred at the facility. Currently over 25 offenders reside there, which is a high concentration.

Civil Lawsuits & Claims While the exact number of active civil suits varies as new cases are filed, Paradigm is currently defending multiple significant actions: Personal Injury/Neglect: Reed v. Paradigm Healthcare LLC is an active case in Texas courts regarding allegations of negligence.

Abuse and Neglect Overlap: Civil claims for damages are often filed concurrently with criminal investigations for assault and neglect. For example, the physical assault at Paradigm at the Oak in April 2023 (resulting in a victim sustaining facial fractures and a concussion) led to a $133,715 federal fine, which often serves as a precursor to civil litigation.

Regulatory Non-Compliance: A 2025 Texas Office of Inspector General (OIG) audit found that 87.8% of investigation reports (43 out of 49) at Paradigm at Faith Memorial failed to meet state standards for reporting abuse, which may lead to further legal exposure for the corporation.

Summary of Legal Impacts Criminal Cases: 4 primary indictments (1 administrator, 1 resident, and related charges).

Civil Suits: Multiple pending across the 13 locations, primarily focusing on resident safety and failure to report abuse.

Regulatory Penalties: Over $1,000,000 in total fines across the 13 facilities since 2023, reflecting systemic failures that often lead to private lawsuits.

Now if the 13 locations haven’t accumulated enough violations, Paradigm has announced they plan more locations. Also, they regularly fail to properly check the backgrounds of their staff. This gives good reason to check on all of those poor souls who are confined there periodically. Perhaps the Feds and State should hold up on permitting more from being administered by Paradigm. These are my reasons for sharing my concern and opinion with you.

Jerry Moerbe Nelsonville