Staff Members Charged With Assaulting Teen, 19, With Disabilities At Group Home: Hamden Police

HAMDEN, CT — Two staff members of a group home in Hamden are accused of assaulting a 19-year-old female client with disabilities with a broom and a mop handle, according to police. One of the suspects was also seen choking the victim in surveillance video, police said.

The Director of Resident Services for ARC of Meriden-Wallingford met with Hamden Police on Jan. 12 regarding an incident that occurred at a group home located in Hamden, according to Capt. Ronald Smith.

ARC of Meriden-Wallingford’s mission is to “assist and advocate for children and adults with developmental disabilities to reach their full potential and become contributing members of their community,” according to its website.

Police learned that the 19-year-old female resident sustained injuries that were inflicted by two “Direct Support Staff Members,” according to Smith.

Smith said investigation revealed that bruising was noticed by the victim’s mother and she subsequently contacted the Department of Developmental Services. An investigation was immediately launched.

The Hamden Police Department Special Victims Unit viewed video footage from the group home.

“The video shows Direct Support Staff Members Victoria Dancy and Melissa Smith attempting to restrain the victim,” Smith said in a news release. “The video further depicts Dancy and Smith striking the victim with a broom and a mop handle. Later in the video, Dancy is observed choking the victim, while she was lying on her back. The video further shows Dancy striking the victim with the mop handle, while she was lying on the floor. “

Detective Stephen Rossacci conducted the investigation, which led to the application of arrest warrants for Dancy and Smith.

Hamden Police arrested Dancy and Smith on April 6 and 7.

Pictured: Victoria Dancy

Dancy, 50, of Winchester Avenue in New Haven, was arrested on charges of cruelty to persons, assault of a disabled person, second-degree strangulation, second-degree reckless endangerment and disorderly conduct. Dancy, who was released after posting bond, is scheduled to appear in Meriden Superior Court on April 20.

Pictured: Melissa Smith of Stratford

Smith, 41, of Yarwood Street in Stratford, was arrested on charges of cruelty to persons, assault of a disabled person, second-degree reckless endangerment and disorderly conduct. Smith, who was detained on a $25,000 bond, is scheduled to appear in court on April 20.

Photos via the Hamden Police Department