Man Convicted of Sexually Assaulting 69-Year-Old Nursing Home Resident by Rubbing Her Feet
Jurors in Slidell find former janitor guilty of a 2018 assault; he faces 25 to 99 years in prison
A jury in Louisiana on Tuesday found Bobby Mendell Bester guilty of sexually assaulting a 69-year-old resident of a nursing home in a 2018 incident in which prosecutors say he massaged the woman’s feet with lotion and pressed them against his genitals. District Attorney J. Collins Sims said Bester faces a prison term of between 25 and 99 years.
Prosecutors told jurors that Bester, 47, entered the woman’s room while performing janitorial duties, commented that one of her socks had fallen off, closed the door and shut the blinds before beginning to rub her feet with lotion. Trial testimony described the assailant asking whether the resident was ticklish, tickling her feet and, at times, pressing her feet against his genitals. Witnesses said he would pause when he heard footsteps outside the room and resume when the coast appeared clear.
Authorities said it took investigators six years to arrest Bester; he was taken into custody in February 2024. He acknowledged having a foot fetish during the case but denied the assault allegations, the DA’s office reported. The identity of the victim has not been released.
During the trial, prosecutors also introduced testimony from a woman who said Bester contacted her in 2007 under the pretext of inquiring about property. The woman testified that after she rejected his advances he left a voicemail in which he asked to engage in sexual activity involving her feet. She reported the call to police, prosecutors said.
The case was prosecuted by the office of District Attorney J. Collins Sims, which released details after the verdict. Court records and the DA’s release indicate Bester was charged on allegations stemming from the 2018 incident; the jury returned guilty verdicts on the sexual-assault counts presented at trial. A sentencing date has not been announced.
The conviction highlights concerns about the safety of vulnerable residents in institutional settings and the responsibility of facilities and staff to protect those in their care. Officials have not released information on any disciplinary actions taken by the nursing home where the incident occurred.
Bester’s sentencing range of 25 to 99 years reflects the severity of the offenses as charged under Louisiana law. Defense attorneys have the option to seek post-trial motions or appeal the verdict. The DA’s office said it will continue to pursue accountability in cases involving alleged abuse of vulnerable adults.
The case drew local attention because of the lengthy interval between the alleged assault and the arrest, the nature of the accusations and testimony from other alleged victims or contacts who reported disturbing behavior to law enforcement. Investigators and prosecutors provided evidence and witness accounts to the jury during the trial, which concluded with the guilty finding.
