Center For Autism Staffer Arrested After Twice Flipping Over Couch: NYSP

HYDE PARK, NY — A staff member at an autism center has been arrested after abusive behavior in her dealings with a resident of the facility, according to police.

The New York State Police say that on March 23, troopers from Rhinebeck responded to the Anderson Center for Autism, in the Town of Hyde Park, after receiving a report about an incident involving a staff member and a student.

An investigation by uniform members and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation at Rhinebeck found that a staff member, 32-year-old Melinda A. Dorn, of Pine Plains, flipped a couch on which a resident was lying, causing the resident to fall to the ground.

Police say that the resident then repositioned the couch and lay back down. Dorn then flipped the couch a second time, causing the resident to fall to the floor again, according to state police.

"Anderson has zero tolerance for any behavior that compromises the safety or dignity of the people we serve and we are committed to upholding the highest standards of care and accountability," a spokesperson from Anderson told Patch in a statement. "Upon learning of the situation, we immediately notified the appropriate authorities following all internal procedures and placed the employee involved on leave."

After the investigation, Dorn was arrested on Monday, and charged with misdemeanor second-degree endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person.

She was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Hyde Park Court on April 14.