60-Year-Old Man Sexually Abused

People who work with the mentally disabled, children and other vulnerable members of society are placed in a position of special trust. To violate that position in any way is something that should be dealt with swiftly and unequivocally.

Carolyn M. Wheeler, 29, of Cortlandt is one such person who appears to have broken that special trust. She was charged with felony second-degree endangering the welfare of a vulnerable elderly person and misdemeanor second-degree sex abuse.

Wheeler was employed at the Somers Manor Nursing Home located at 189 Route 100, Somers, N.Y. as a recreational leader. On the day in question (Aug. 17) she was off duty and had returned to her workplace. At about 6pm she was caught by a staff member having sexual relations with a 60-year-old male patient, a resident of the home, who suffers from severe mental defects.

The police were called in and Wheeler was arrested. Investigators are not sure whether this was a one-time occurrence or if there has been a history of sexual contact with this patient or any others.

"Our investigation so far is only revealing this incident," state police Investigator Jennifer Hahl said. "The only reason we know about this incident was because a staff member walked in on it."

Investigation is difficult because many of the patients in the home suffer from dementia and other mental conditions. Wheeler has been fired from her job. She was arraigned before the Honorable Michael McDermot and was subsequently remanded to Westchester County Jail and later released on $3,000 bail. She is scheduled to reappear in the Town of Somers Court on 08/24/09 at 5:30 pm.

Any further questions in relation to this arrest should be directed to Investigator J. Hahl of the New York State Police Somers Bureau of Criminal Investigation Office.

Follow me on Twitter