Hyperbaric Chamber Incident in Oakland County
In Oakland County, Michigan, the CEO of the Oxford Center faced serious charges following a tragic incident. A hyperbaric chamber explosion killed 5-year-old Thomas Cooper and injured his mother on January 31. The CEO, Tamela Peterson, along with two other employees, is accused of second-degree murder and tampering with evidence.
During a recent court hearing, Peterson received a $2 million bond. The magistrate, Elizabeth Chiappelli, criticized Peterson’s approach to safety, stating she prioritized profits over the well-being of her clients. She described Peterson as someone who runs a business without regard for safety measures.
Cooper’s family had paid $8,000 for 40 sessions of oxygen therapy, hoping it would help with the boy’s ADHD and sleep apnea. However, experts say there is no solid scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of such treatments for these conditions, and insurance does not cover them.
Peterson is not the only one facing repercussions. Other employees were also charged. Gary Marken and Jeffrey Mosteller are accused of second-degree murder and received $250,000 bonds. Aleta Moffitt faces charges of manslaughter and falsifying a medical record, with a bond set at $100,000.
Concerns about Peterson’s potential to flee surfaced during the hearings. Prosecutor Chris Kessel highlighted that many clients paid in cash, raising the issue of flight risk. He claimed Peterson interfered with the investigation, even allegedly running away from a detective seeking evidence.
Defense attorney Gerald Gleeson argued against the flight risk claim, stating that if there was a real concern, authorities would have arrested her sooner. He also pointed out a lack of obstruction of justice charges.
Allegations include tampering with the hyperbaric chamber’s safety protocols. Chiappelli noted that if proper safety measures had been followed, Cooper might still be alive today. The investigation indicated that maintenance records for the chamber were altered to make it seem safer.
Peterson must surrender her passport and wear a GPS monitor if she posts bail. She is also barred from contacting the co-defendants or the victim’s family.
The case raises serious questions about safety in medical facilities and accountability for those in charge. It has left a community mourning the loss of a young life while seeking justice and answers.
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