Sexual Assault Case of Man With Intellectual Disabilities

Adults with mental retardation or adult autism are many times more likely to be sexually abused than the general population.  The stats, from State to State, are stunning.  Those with developmental disabilities sometimes cannot speak at all.  Others are exploited emotionally and intellectually.  This vulnerable portion of the population is, for the most part, attempted by society to be protected.  Here is a case where prosecution must go forward, even though defense attorneys can rip the victim on the stand.  It takes a lot of courage for a prosecutor to go forward in a case like this.  

Health care provider accused of assaulting man

Prosecutors say victim is developmentally disabled adult

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Police: Developmentally disabled man assaulted

SEABROOK, N.H. —A man has been accused of sexually assaulting a developmentally disabled adult he met through his job as a health care provider...

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Police said John C. Riley, 41, of Milton, took advantage of his position to sexually assault a man in November. Riley worked for a company called Living Innovations, where police said he had contact with the victim.

"The victim in this case is a 35-year-old man who has the mental ability of an 8-year-old," said Portsmouth police prosecutor Dave Colby. "This was not a random act. The state feels the victim in this case was groomed for a period of time before the act took place."

According to court documents, investigators said that while Riley was driving the man home on Nov. 2, he sexually assaulted the man in the parking lot of a Portsmouth business. Riley was charged with aggravated felonious sexual assault, kidnapping and indecent exposure.

"Mr. Riley would have had contact with the victim through his employment, which again is a service that provides services to the developmentally disabled," said Capt. Mike Schwartz.

Riley was honored last year as the direct support professional of the year, according to media reports. Officials at Living Innovations said they are shocked by the situation and are working closely with police.

In court Friday, prosecutors said the investigation is ongoing.

"The defendant does not have a motor vehicle history or a criminal history that the state can find," Colby said. "However, he has worked with the mentally handicapped for a period of time. As a matter of fact, he was worker of the year last year, and the state has concerns that there are other potential victims out there at this time."

The prosecutor called Riley a danger to himself and the community. His bail was set at $30,000.