In the wake of letters to the Commissioner of the Department of Health (DOH), Attorney General and the Governor’s office, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) says that significant progress is being made in the investigation of the deaths of senior citizens in the Villages of Orleans. In addition to the Governor’s office, the DOH and the Attorney General’s office, the Orleans County Sherriff’s office, the District Attorney’s office and the federal Department of Health and Human Services have become involved in the investigation.

“My goal here is to get all the parties involved who can assist in making this investigation more thorough and complete,” Hawley said. “By involving all of these departments on all of these levels of government and public safety, we are ensuring that no stone is left unturned, and that our residents and staff at The Villages’ lives and quality of care are safeguarded.”

The investigation into the Villages of Orleans stems from the recent development of a multitude of serious complaints in this senior care facility. The Villages currently has 55 percent of all COVID-positive cases in Orleans County, and 95 percent of COVID-related deaths in Orleans County.