HOUSTON – A former Spring dentist was given five years of probation, Thursday. Bethanial Jefferson was convicted Wednesday of causing a child to suffer brain damage during a procedure in 2016, according to court records.
A jury found Bethaniel Jefferson guilty of two counts of knowingly causing serious bodily injury to a child by omission in connection with the 2016 incident involving 4-year-old Nevaeh Hall.
On Thursday, after her sentencing was read out loud to the court Hall’s family was visibly upset and confused.
“So, technically she is sentenced to 10 years in prison,” Gilbert Sawtelle, prosecutor explained. “However that sentence is probated for 5 years. So, in theory she will be on probation for 5 years and required to adhere to a number of conditions the court will set tomorrow.”
What happened
Nevaeh’s mother said she went to Jefferson to have her daughter’s tooth pulled. She said that when Nevaeh was given anesthesia, she suffered a seizure and severe brain damage.
According to Courissa Clark and Derrick Hall, Jefferson physically restrained their daughter, negligently medicated her, and kept the girl away from her mother after she began having seizures.
Court documents in the civil case stated that Jefferson administered too many sedatives and other drugs that caused Nevaeh to fall into respiratory distress. That distress reduced oxygen levels to her brain.
Now, Nevaeh is in a wheelchair. Her grandmother, Clara Clark testified in court that their family hadn’t been the same and Nevaeh now requires around the clock care.
“I think the decision was very unfair,” Clark said.
Family awarded in civil lawsuit
In 2022, her family testified in the trial that Nevaeh is conscious, but can no longer see, speak, walk or eat on her own. She requires 24-hour medical care.
After the three-day trial, a state district court jury in Houston awarded $95.5 million to the family of Nevaeh, according to the family’s attorney James R. Moriarty and co-counsel.
Texas Board revokes medical license
In November 2016, the Texas Dental Board revoked Jefferson’s medical license. In 2017, Jefferson was indicted by a Harris County grand jury on charges of intentionally and knowingly by omission causing serious bodily injury to a child by failing to seek and provide adequate medical attention.
Jefferson’s history of disciplinary action
Jefferson has a history of disciplinary action filed against her, with reports dating back to 2005.
In 2012, the Texas Board of Dental Examiners ordered Jefferson to pay a fine and complete 24 additional hours of Continuing Education after discovering she failed to meet the minimum standard of care in the sedation of another juvenile patient.
Court will resume, Friday at 9:00 a.m. when victim impact statements are read and Jefferson receives the conditions of her probation.