'Extremely Disturbing': Harvey Man Sexually Assaulted Disabled Man At Care Facility, State's Attorney Says

DUPAGE COUNTY, IL — A Harvey man accused of sexually assaulting a disabled man at a Bloomingdale special needs facility was ordered detained until trial, the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office said Wednesday

Miguel Palacios, 26, of Harvey, has been charged with two counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault and one count of unlawful restraint following a Feb. 25 incident at Alden Village in Bloomingdale.

On Feb. 24, at approximately 10:30 p.m., Bloomingdale police were called to the facility, 267 E. Lake St., for a call of a sexual assault in progress. The alleged assault was discovered when another employee heard noises coming from the room and went in to check on the residents.

Palacios, a CNA at the facility, is alleged to have sexually assaulted a non-verbal, quadriplegic man with intellectual and physical disabilities while the man was in his bed, the State's Attorney's Office said.

“The allegations in this case are extremely disturbing,” said DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin. “Sexual crimes are, by their very nature, among the worst of crimes, leaving victims to suffer not only at the time of the assault but for many years to come. Instead of providing care and comfort to the victim, as he was entrusted to do, it is alleged that Mr. Palacios sexually assaulted him.

"I want to stress, however, that the allegations against Mr. Palacios rest squarely on his shoulders and are not indicative of the staff at Alden Village who tend to the residents’ needs with professionalism and kindness day in and day out."

Bloomingdale Director of Public Safety Frank Giammarese said the department has "great sadness for the victim and his family."

"... The relationship between medical care professionals and patients is imperative, and the safety of patients is the ultimate objective," Giammarese said.

Palacios’ next court appearance is scheduled for March 23, in front of Judge Brian Telander.

If convicted, he faces 6 to 30 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.