A Kenyan man who had been working as an assistance in a living facility was last week charged with raping a 79-year-old woman who lived at the facility.
According to the Smithfield Police Department, officers were called to the Brookdale Senior Living facility on Berkshire Road around 3 a.m on December 19 to investigate the assault.
Police officers went to Brookdale Senior Living, at 830 Berkshire Road, shortly before 3 a.m on Thursday, December 19 in response to a reported sex assault, according to ABC news.
A supervisor at the facility detained the suspect as soon as the allegation was made, and the suspect was removed from the facility as police investigated.
“We are saddened by these allegations, as having the trust of our residents and their families is extremely important to us,” Brookdale administrators said in a statement.
It added that they take the safety and well-being of its residents very seriously. “Inappropriate conduct or behaviour is never tolerated and is dealt with swiftly,” the facility said.
“Our company has thorough employment standards in place, including background checks, complying with state rules and regulations, and ongoing training of employees. Our hiring policies were followed in regard to this individual.”
Police charged Kariuki with second-degree forcible rape and was being held in the Johnston County jail under Ksh. 10 million ($100,000) bond. Police did not disclose Kariuki’s position at the living home.
