The Abuse Keeps Coming

My nephew spent the first 8 years of his life in Poughkeepsie, New York. If he and his mom hadn't moved to California, chances are good he would have wound up living in a group home by now. Maybe he'd be living in the group home where this sadist worked. This news piece comes courtesy of the poughkeepsiejournal.com.

Police: Care aide shot clients with BB gun

By Lindsay Suchow and Michael Woyton • Poughkeepsie Journal • April 26, 2008

A Town of Poughkeepsie man faces a felony charge after he allegedly fired a BB gun at four mentally challenged men who were in his care, the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office said.


Ryan Howley, 21, was charged with one count of second-degree assault Wednesday. He was arraigned and sent to Dutchess County Jail on $25,000 bail.

Howley was employed by the Dutchess County Advocacy Respect Community, formerly known as the Association of Retarded Citizens, as a direct-care aide, police said.

Police said Howley fired the airsoft-style rifle at the men, who were described as "profoundly mentally retarded," multiple times over a period of three weeks.

The men, ranging from 47 to 70 years old, suffered welts on their faces and bodies, police said.

Police said it appeared Howley shot the men as a means of punishment.

Crys McCuin, Dutchess ARC executive director, said Howley no longer works for the agency. She said his employment was terminated after the police became involved in the investigation.

McCuin said the victims have been medically assessed and appear to be all right, in spite of some bruising.

Their families have been notified, along with the state Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, New York State Association for Retarded Children and the Dutchess County Department of Mental Hygiene.

"Most importantly, we are grateful for the quick, supportive response of the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office who were critical in ensuring this allegation reached what we believe to be the best outcome for the people we serve at Dutchess ARC," McCuin said.

Reach Lindsay Suchow at lsuchow@poughkee.gannett.com or 845-437-4825. Reach Michael Woyton at mwoyton@poughkeepsiejournal.com or 845-451-4518.