OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. (FOX 2) – Tamela Peterson, CEO of the Oxford Center in Troy, is facing serious charges following an explosion from a hyperbaric chamber that tragically took the life of a 5-year-old boy named Thomas Cooper. Peterson, 58, is charged with second-degree murder and has been given a $2 million bond as prosecutors consider her a flight risk.
At a recent arraignment, Assistant Oakland County Prosecutor Chris Kessel shared alarming details about Peterson’s past behavior. Witnesses reported feeling threatened and intimidated by her. Kessel noted, “She has bullied, harassed, and even filed lawsuits against those who oppose her.” The manner in which Peterson allegedly handled the situation raised red flags for the prosecution.
On January 31, 2023, the explosion in the chamber caused not only Thomas’s death but also severe injuries to his mother. The hyperbaric therapy was being used to treat Thomas’s sleep apnea, a condition not covered by traditional insurance. Kessel expressed concern over Peterson’s financial resources, suggesting that they could enable her to flee. He mentioned her China visa and recent unusual purchases, hinting at connections that could make absconding easier.
Among the accusations against her are several serious claims of tampering and obstruction. Peterson is alleged to have:
- Wiped her laptop to erase possible evidence.
- Altered the hyperbaric chamber’s usage logs.
- Provided false information to prevent investigators from accessing important video footage.
- Attempted to evade detectives when they requested her phone.
Magistrate Elizabeth Chiappelli expressed her concern about Peterson’s track record of safety protocol violations and her apparent lack of cooperation with the investigation. She remarked that had certain safety measures been followed, Thomas Cooper might still be alive today. The failure to use a grounding line and other safety precautions were noted as crucial oversights.
Defense attorney Gerard Gleeson defended Peterson vehemently, stating that she had willingly surrendered her passport and maintained that if law enforcement had notified them ahead of time, nothing for her arrest would have been necessary. Regarding the China visa, he explained it was related to her son’s marriage and was obtained well before this incident.
Despite the defense’s allegations of wrongdoing, the magistrate conveyed her deep concern about the allegations surrounding Peterson’s actions and their consequences. The tragic death of young Thomas underscores the importance of safety in health facilities, especially those dealing with advanced treatments.
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