Three workers at Devereux arrested in connection with assault of special needs student

The Leo Kanner Center of the Devereux Foundation at 1060 Boot Road in West Whiteland.

by PETE BANNAN
 
WEST WHITELAND — Three employees at the Devereux facility in West Whiteland Township were arrested in connection with the physical assault of a 16-year-old special needs student there.

Andrene Bennett-Wint, 35, of Newark, Delaware, Tyrena Adams, 51, of Philadelphia, and Cecelia Gbor, 22, of Darby Borough, were charged with offenses related to their employment at Devereux Kanner Center on Boot Road.

On July 29, the West Whiteland Township Police Department investigated a report of a 16-year-old special needs student who was allegedly assaulted by a staff member at the Devereux facility.

Surveillance video was obtained which allegedly showed Bennett-Wint pushing and striking the student several times with her hands, a hair brush and a chair.

Police said Adams and Gbor had witnessed the alleged assault and had failed to report the matter as required as a mandated reporter.

Andrene Bennett-Wint was charged with terroristic threats, endangering welfare of children, simple assault and harassment. She was charged by criminal summons.

Tyrena Adams was charged with failure to report or refer. She was arraigned by Judge John Bailey on Sept. 13, 2019. She was released on an unsecured $25,000 bail.

Cecilia Gbor was charged with Failure to Report or Refer. She was arraigned by Judge John Bailey on Sept, 13, 2019. She was released on an unsecured $25,000 bail.

Late last year, two workers at Devereux have been arrested after police say they watched two children fight, encouraging it, and posted the fight on social media.

Anthony Merrick, 25, of Coatesville, and Rayne Portela, 25, of Glenside, Montgomery County, are facing charges in connection with that incident.

Also last year, five staff members at Devereux were arrested in connection with abuse of clients. Facing charges in that incident are Christina Borden, 27, of Yeadon; Monique Scott, 25, of Pomeroy, Chester County; Solgie Barbar, 38, of Upper Darby; Kimberly Dawkins, 32, of Lansdowne; and Jordan Brothers, 25, of Philadelphia.

Devereux serves children, adolescents and young adults – from birth to age 21 – with autism spectrum disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and behavioral and emotional disorders. Each year, more than 1,000 children and adolescents receive specialized care there.

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Three workers at Devereux arrested in connection with assault of special needs student