Woman arrested in connection to investigation at Choate Mental Health Development Center

ANNA, Ill. (KFVS) - A woman was arrested in connection to a battery investigation at a mental health development center.

Teresa Smith, 57, of Pulaski, Ill., was charged with official misconduct and obstructing justice.

According to Illinois State Police, Smith is an employee of the Illinois Department of Human Services and Choate Mental Health Development Center in Anna.

On February 5, 2020, the ISP Division of Internal Investigation was asked by IDHS to investigate a battery allegation by a mental health technician on a resident at the center.

After an investigation involving IDHS and led by ISP, the Union County State’s Attorney issued a summons on Oct. 29, 2020 for Smith with a required appearance date of Dec. 4 in Union County.

In January, two former Choate Mental Health employees were charged in connection to allegations of abuse in March 2018.

Five other employees were arrested in October after investigations in January and May into the alleged abuse of patients.