CENTRAL ISLIP - An East Islip group home worker is accused of
harming a man with autism who was in his care and later trying to cover
up the incident.
According to court documents, 31-year-old
Richard Garnett, of Middle Island, forced the victim to run on a
treadmill to "tire him out" and refused to let him off. Joseph Barouch,
23, eventually fell. At that point, Garnett allegedly did not report the
injury or seek medical attention for Barouch, out of fear of being
fired.
The alleged incident happened Feb. 19 at a facility called Life's WORC.
Barouch's family sent News 12 photos taken after the
alleged abuse that show bruising around his body. Authorities say he
fractured his neck as result of the incident. Relatives say Barouch had
to undergo two surgeries to replace discs in his neck.
Erin
Spano, Barouch's aunt, says she's horrified by what happened. She adds
that before being put on the treadmill, her nephew was ripped out of bed
while still undressed and dragged to a basement. And once on the
treadmill, she says Barouch was beaten when he got back up after
falling.
"This is attempted murder," she says. "They tried to kill my nephew."
Garnett
has been charged with one felony count of endangering the welfare of a
disabled person. He was released without bail and is due back in court
next month.
A spokesperson for Life's WORC says Garnett has been let go.
Full Article & Source:
Family: Man with autism forced to run treadmill, beaten by group home worker
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