A former NICU nurse in Virginia, Erin Strotman, has been released on a $25,000 bond despite facing multiple charges related to the abuse of newborns in her care. Strotman, 26, is accused of malicious wounding and child abuse after authorities say she was caught on surveillance video mishandling a NICU baby at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital.
Family members of the seven NICU babies involved in the ongoing investigation expressed outrage over the judge’s decision to grant her release.
“I think we share the same feeling of anger,” said Dominique Hackey, whose child was a NICU patient in 2023. “This is something that we were prepared for, but obviously we didn’t expect.”
Strotman has been formally charged in connection with one baby’s injuries in 2024, but remains the only suspect in the abuse of at least seven infants between 2023 and 2024. Photos from 2023 show a twin baby with bruised legs and a wrist fracture, raising further concerns.
The judge stated that Strotman does not appear to be a flight risk or a danger to herself. Details from her court-ordered mental health evaluation and text messages with her boyfriend have been sealed.
As part of her bond conditions, Strotman must remain under house arrest at her parents’ home, is prohibited from being around children or vulnerable adults, and cannot provide any healthcare services. Additionally, her parents must remove all firearms from their residence.
A preliminary court hearing for Strotman is scheduled for May as the investigation into the abuse of multiple newborns continues.
