Former Virginia NICU Nurse Granted Limited Supervised Visits with Nephew and Niece Amidst Abuse Charges
Henrico, Virginia — Erin Strotman, a former neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurse at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital, has received a modification in her bond conditions allowing her to visit her brother’s two young children, despite facing serious charges related to infant abuse. The decision, made during a hearing on Wednesday, mandates that these visits be closely supervised by the children’s parents.
Charges and Allegations
Strotman, 26, faces a total of 20 charges, including felony malicious wounding and felony child abuse, stemming from injuries reported in multiple infants while she worked in the NICU. Authorities allege that between 2023 and 2024, several premature infants under her care exhibited "unexplainable fractures" and suspicious injuries. Her arrest in January followed a series of investigations that began when hospital staff identified troubling patterns among the infants’ conditions.
The Virginia Board of Nursing has placed a temporary suspension on Strotman’s nursing license, pending a hearing set for July 23. Initially employed at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital since 2019, Strotman was placed on administrative leave in September 2023. She was later fired on the day of her arrest.
Bond Hearing Details
During the bond modification hearing, Strotman’s legal team contended that her sister-in-law, a behavioral analyst and a mandatory reporter, could ensure the safety of the visits by maintaining visual and auditory contact. The sister-in-law testified under oath that she would comply with this responsibility.
However, Shannon Taylor, the Henrico County Commonwealth’s Attorney, voiced strong opposition to the modification, arguing that Strotman should have no contact with minors whatsoever. The court ultimately decided to allow the visits under strict supervision, highlighting the complexity of balancing the legal rights of the accused against the safety of children.
Next Steps
Strotman’s trial is slated to commence on February 9, 2026, allowing for further examination of the evidence and allegations surrounding her case. In light of the gravity of the charges, the outcome could have significant implications not only for Strotman but also for the wider community’s understanding of child safety within healthcare settings.
This story is developing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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