Four people are facing charges after a hyperbaric chamber explosion at the Oxford Center in Troy led to the tragic death of 5-year-old Thomas Cooper, of Royal Oak.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the charges, which include second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter, against the facility’s owner and three employees.
• Tamela Peterson, 58, owner of the Oxford Center – $2,000,000 cash bond
• Jeffrey Mosteller, 64, safety manager – $250,000 cash bond
• Gary Marken, 65, primary management assistant – $250,000 cash bond
• Aleta Moffitt, 60, hyperbaric chamber operator – $100,000 cash bond
Peterson, Mosteller, and Marken each face one count of second-degree murder, a charge that carries a potential life sentence, or involuntary manslaughter, a 15-year felony.
Moffitt is charged with involuntary manslaughter and intentionally placing false information on a medical chart, a four-year felony.
On January 31, Cooper was inside the hyperbaric oxygen chamber undergoing treatment when the device caught fire and exploded. He died from his injuries, according to authorities.
The Oxford Center provides hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which is promoted as a treatment for conditions like autism, ADHD, and autoimmune diseases, officials said. However, there is no scientific proof that this therapy helps these conditions, and insurance does not cover the costly sessions, according to a news release by the AG office.
Cooper’s family paid thousands in dollars for treatments, believing it would help with his ADHD and sleep apnea, according to a WJBK report.
Investigators say the Oxford Center failed to follow strict safety rules set by (NFPA) and Sechrist, the manufacturer of the chamber. These safety protocols are meant to prevent fires and other hazards.
“This tragedy could have been prevented if proper safety protocols were followed,” Nessel said. “Instead, deliberate negligence and a blatant disregard for safety cost a child his life. I appreciate the investigatory efforts of the Troy Police Department. My office remains committed to seeking justice for Thomas and holding those responsible accountable.”
