Federal prosecutors have charged Brian Hyatt and seven others in a sweeping indictment alleging a years-long scheme involving kidnapping and drug-related offenses at a behavioral health facility in Washington County.
Allegations of Forced Confinement and Chemical Restraints
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Hyatt—former head of the behavioral health unit at Northwest Medical Center—and multiple staff members are accused of holding patients against their will between 2018 and 2022.
Prosecutors allege patients were:
- Coerced and intimidated into staying
- Threatened with continued confinement if they tried to leave
- Administered powerful medications as “chemical restraints”
In some instances, staff allegedly warned patients they would be given additional injections if they attempted to leave the facility.
Financial Motive Behind Scheme
Authorities claim the alleged operation was driven by profit, with patients kept longer than medically necessary to bill Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers.
Multiple Staff Members Charged
The indictment includes seven additional defendants, including nurses, administrators, and behavioral health technicians, all accused of participating in the scheme.
Legal and Civil Fallout
The federal charges add to Hyatt’s mounting legal troubles, which include:
- A separate state case involving Medicaid fraud
- More than 200 civil lawsuits alleging abuse, coercion, and unlawful confinement
Attorneys representing alleged victims say the indictment validates years of complaints and could encourage more individuals to come forward.
Officials Respond
Tim Griffin stated that state authorities have been working closely with federal investigators and welcomed the new charges, emphasizing accountability for all involved.
Upcoming Court Proceedings
Hyatt and the co-defendants are scheduled to be arraigned on April 1, with additional hearings expected as the case progresses.