Caregiver arrested for abuse of disabled adult: HCSO

by: Garrett Phillips

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A woman who worked with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities was arrested for abusing a disabled adult, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said Friday.

Angela Mercado, 43, who works as a Day Program Supervisor at the non-profit Sunrise Community Facility, was arrested on May 17 after a witness said she became angry with and pushed a victim with cerebral palsy and intellectual disabilities because he was “moving too slowly.”

Credit: Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office

Mercado reportedly pushed the victim into a doorway and repeatedly kicked him, deputies said.

“It is sickening that someone in a position of trust, meant to help others, would use such violence against a vulnerable person,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “There is no place for abuse in our community. Our detectives will continue to work to ensure that every individual, regardless of their background, is protected.”

Mercado has been placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation at the Sunrise Community Facility.

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Caregiver arrested for abuse of disabled adult: HCSO