Nurse charged with severely injuring several babies on NICU ward

The state of Virginia has suspended the license of a nurse, formerly employed by Henrico Doctors’ Hospital, after she was charged in a 12-count indictment for alleged neglect and abuse—incidents that, prosecutors say, resulted in babies under her care suffering bone fractures. 

The alleged crimes occurred over several years. However, the investigation began when four babies on the hospital’s NICU ward suffered the then-unexplained injuries. According to court documents, one of the infants had bruises in the shape of fingerprints on both legs, yet it was never confirmed any individual was responsible for the bone fractures. 

At the time, Erin Strotman, 26, was investigated and placed on administrative leave. However, she was exonerated later allowed to return to work, where prosecutors claim incidents of neglect and abuse only continued. In December 2024, three more babies in the NICU suffered unexplained bone fractures, bringing the total to seven under Strotman’s care. 

She was charged with a first round of indictments in January 2025.  

After further investigation, prosecutors levied additional charges in April. They now claim to have linked the severe injuries of nine babies to Strotman as part of a 12-count criminal complaint. The alleged incidents date back to July 2022.

Strotman was arraigned on April 23. This week, records from the Virginia Department of Health Professions show she was stripped of her license to practice nursing, pending trial.

Strotman remains out of jail on a $25,000 bond, ordered by the judge to wear an ankle monitor. Her next court appearance is scheduled for May 28.

Chad Van Alstin Health Imaging Health Exec

Chad is an award-winning writer and editor with over 15 years of experience working in media. He has a decade-long professional background in healthcare, working as a writer and in public relations.

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