Former pediatrician accused of sexually assaulting nursing home resident

by: Leah Crowley, Alexandra Leslie

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — A Pawtucket man has been accused of sexually assaulting an older woman in the memory care unit at Tockwotton Assisted Living Facility in East Providence.

R.I. Attorney General Peter Neronha announced a statewide grand jury returned an indictment on Tuesday charging Anthony Alario, 73, with one count of first-degree sexual assault and one count of second-degree sexual assault.

The alleged assault happened back in May. The attorney general’s office said an employee at the nursing home witnessed and reported the alleged assault.

Tockwotton released a statement saying that Alario was a guest visiting the resident, and after a staff member reported the incident to authorities, a no trespassing order “was issued immediately.” The facility also said medical professionals were called to tend to and evaluate the resident.

“At Tockwotton on the Waterfront, we work hard to ensure the safety and security of our residents, visitors, and team members.  We take our responsibility to protect everyone in the Tockwotton family seriously and are vigilant on their behalf,” the statement said.

The facility said in an effort to protect the privacy of the resident, they would not be providing any further details.

Alario is also a former pediatrician, according to the attorney general’s office.

Lifespan spokesperson Jessica Wharton confirmed Alario was terminated from his employment at Lifespan “immediately” after he surrendered his state medical license in May. R.I. Department of Health records show Also voluntarily surrendered his license 10 days after the alleged assault.

“We are deeply disturbed by the allegations against a former employee, Dr. Anthony Alario regarding his personal conduct,” Wharton added.

Online court records show East Providence Police filed the complaint in September.

East Providence Police Captain Michael Rapoza told Target 12 the department did not have a booking photo of Alario to share, and that as of Thursday afternoon, Alario had not been brought to police department to be processed.

Alario is set to be arraigned in Providence County Superior Court on Oct. 2.

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Former pediatrician accused of sexually assaulting nursing home resident