Villa at the Lake, via Facebook. This retirement and assisted living facility in Conneaut, Ohio, is where a former caregiver is accused of committing sexual abuse against residents. A photo of the accused has not been publicly released.
Wayde Allan Lloyd Shankle, 35, a former caregiver at Villa at the Lake retirement community in Conneaut, Ohio, has been indicted on multiple felony charges related to the alleged sexual abuse of two elderly residents.
According to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Shankle faces “four counts of rape, a first-degree felony, and one count of gross sexual imposition, a fourth-degree felony.”
Charges Stem from Alleged Abuse of Elderly Residents
The charges against the Ashtabula resident follow a joint investigation by the Ohio Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, the Conneaut Police Department, and the FBI. “The Ashtabula County Prosecutor’s Office is prosecuting the case in Ashtabula County Common Pleas Court, located in Jefferson,” said the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. According to court filings, the offenses occurred in February 2024.
Authorities have not disclosed how the allegations came to light, nor has Villa at the Lake publicly commented on the case. According to WHBC, Shankle is no longer employed at the facility.
Shankle’s arraignment is scheduled for Friday, July 18, 2025, in Judge Harris’ courtroom, with Judge Benjamin R. Marley presiding, according to court records from the Ashtabula County Common Pleas Court.
A Promised Standard of Care
Villa at the Lake describes its assisted living services as a place where seniors can “find the life [they] want with the assistance [they] need.” The facility promises “high-quality care in a dignified environment where you or your loved one will feel right at home.”
The allegations against Shankle represent a profound betrayal of those promises. When vulnerable residents rely on staff for basic care, safety, and dignity, abuse by a caregiver is not only criminal, it is a devastating violation of trust.
Employment Records May Point to Additional Victims
A Facebook page appearing to belong to Shankle indicates that he also worked at Lake Pointe Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, another elder care facility in Conneaut, Ohio. That facility has not been named in connection with the criminal case. However, if his prior employment there is confirmed, it may raise concerns about the possibility of additional victims at other locations. Perpetrators of sexual abuse—particularly in institutional settings—often exhibit patterns of behavior over time and across multiple environments.
Understanding Your Rights
Sexual abuse in elder care settings is often hidden. Victims may be afraid to speak up due to fear, confusion, or dependence on those around them. These circumstances can make it incredibly difficult to report what happened. But when survivors are given the support and space to come forward, it can be a powerful step toward healing.
If you or a loved one was harmed at Villa at the Lake or another care facility, you are not alone. You may have the right to pursue a civil case against an institution that failed to protect its residents. Civil legal action can uncover patterns of misconduct, expose systemic negligence, and help prevent future abuse, ultimately supporting survivors in their pursuit of justice.
Our firm offers free and confidential consultations to survivors and their families. We’re here to listen and provide compassionate guidance.
Our attorneys are dedicated to helping you understand your rights and explore every legal option available.
Contact us today.
