FAYETTE — Two certified nursing assistants are accused of having sexual relationships with patients at an assisted living facility where they worked.

According to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, Megan M. Penney, 26, of Clermont; and Paige L. Johanningmeier, 23, of Elgin, each face charges of sexual exploitation by a counselor, therapist or school employee.

The sheriff’s office said they were contacted by Prairie View Management Facility on Feb. 21 about two patients who had walked away from the facility and could not be found. The assisted living facility provides “supportive and skill building services to adults with functional limitations caused by chronic mental illness,” according to court documents. The two patients who walked off had been ordered to Prairie View by the court.

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The patients were entered into the state database as missing person and, on Feb. 25, authorities learned the patients had been seen with two staff members — Penney and Johanningmeier. According to criminal complaints, authorities learned the two women “harbored” the missing patients and developed a sexual relationship with them.

Authorities said one of the patients was taken to a hospital in Linn County and the other was returned to Prairie View.

Both women admitted to their actions, authorities said. They were arrested on March 6 and released from the Fayette County Jail that day after posting a $2,000 bail.

Sexual exploitation by a counselor, therapist or school employee is a Class D felony punishable by up to five years in prison and 10 years on the sex offender registry.

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