At-Risk Teen Sexually Assaulted By Mercer County Health Aide: AG

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — A home health aide is charged with sexually assaulting a teenage girl under his supervision while working as a residential counselor in a Mercer County group home for at-risk teens, Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal announced.

Elijah P. Williams, 26, a former employee of Legacy Treatment Services, is indicted on charges of first-degree aggravated sexual assault on a victim older than 13 and younger than 16, second-degree sexual assault, and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, in connection with alleged assaults against a girl at the teen group home, one of several run by Legacy Treatment Services around the state.

Williams was arrested by Robbinsville Police on Oct. 26. On Nov. 27, Williams, who lives in Trenton, agreed to a temporary suspension of his certification of a homemaker- home health aide(CHHA) by the State Board of Nursing pending the outcome of the criminal charges against him and pending further action by the Board.

The assaults against the teenage girl took place between Nov. 11, 2017 and Dec. 24, 2017 while Williams had a legal duty for the care of the victim, although not while Williams was working in his professional capacity as a CHHA, according to the allegations.

Another teen resident of the group home has alleged that Williams sexually harassed her on numerous occasions, according to the report.

“The allegations against Mr. Williams raise serious concerns regarding his certification as a homemaker-home health aide, who are trusted to care for vulnerable patients in their homes, often without supervision,” said Paul R. Rodríguez, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “If there are patients who experienced inappropriate behavior from Mr. Williams, we ask them to contact the Board of Nursing at 973-504 -6430.”

Williams, who was fired by Legacy Treatment Services after his arrest, had also worked at a Camden County teen group home run by Legacy Treatment Services.

Under the Interim Consent Order, Williams cannot practice, identify himself, or be employed as a CHHA. He also must surrender all copies of his CHHA certificates to the Board of Nursing.

(Image via Shutterstock)

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