Caretaker charged after man with disabilities was struck with cable multiple times
A Philadelphia man working as a caretaker at an assisted-living home in East Goshen Township is facing charges after police say he repeatedly struck a non-verbal resident with a cable.
The victim has since been released from the hospital, while the caretaker remains in custody.
Police identified the suspect as 34-year-old Steven Edler, who they say began working at the home in November.
According to Westtown-East Goshen Police, officers responded to Chester County Hospital on Dec. 23 after the 31-year-old victim was brought in for treatment.
Detective David Hale said the man, who has cerebral palsy and is unable to speak, had more than two dozen marks on his body consistent with being struck by a cable.
"It was hard to see, especially with the victim," Hale said. "He's nonverbal, unable to care for himself, even help himself out in this type of situation, so when we see folks like that being abused, it breaks your heart."
The criminal complaint states the alleged assault occurred at a group home on Margo Lane owned by Delta Community Supports.
Detectives say Edler told them "something happened while he was bathing him and that a cable was involved."
Hale said the victim's regular caretaker arrived for a shift change.
"The victim, although he couldn't communicate clearly what occurred, was able to relay to his regular caretaker that he was hurt and showed him a couple of the marks," he said.
Neighbors expressed shock after learning of the allegations.
"Horrible. Very sad," said neighbor John Abraham.
"I think that is absolutely so awful," said neighbor Gina Kirk.
They also questioned how caregivers are screened.
"I wonder about reference checks, background checks, how are they hiring their caregivers?" Kirk said. "It's a little concerning."
Delta Community Supports issued a statement saying, "DCS was deeply troubled to learn of an abusive assault involving one of our most beloved clients. Our senior staff was notified and immediately followed all protocols. Our client was taken to the hospital and seen by doctors within an hour of the incident being reported. We take these matters very seriously. The individual responsible for this horrible act was swiftly terminated and we are fully cooperating with local law enforcement. DCS strives to ensure safe environments by conducting FBI background checks on staff, continuous staff training and oversight, and maintaining cameras in common areas of homes and vehicles to keep staff accountable."
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services has been contacted for comment.
Detectives urge anyone who may have additional information or who believes there are other victims to contact the police.
