Nursing home aide convicted of sexually assaulting residents in Long Island facility.
A Nassau County jury has found a former nursing home aide guilty of sexually assaulting two residents with disabilities, according to officials. Phillip Harris, 43, of Central Islip, who was employed at the Glengariff Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Glen Cove, committed the offenses in March 2022, a mere three months after his hiring.
The investigation commenced when one of the victims disclosed the abuse to his wife and daughter, who subsequently reported the incident to the management of the nursing home. This initial complaint led to a deeper inquiry by the state attorney general’s office, which ultimately revealed an additional incident of assault.
On Wednesday, Harris was convicted on nine counts related to the abuse. New York Attorney General Letitia James described the crimes as “despicable” and emphasized that they jeopardized the safety of vulnerable residents in nursing homes. The charges against Harris included three counts of first-degree endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person and two counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a vulnerable elderly person, both of which are felonies.
Furthermore, Harris faced three counts of falsifying business records due to allegations of providing false statements during the investigation. However, the jury acquitted him of these specific charges.
Harris is scheduled for sentencing on December 19, according to online court records. He faces potential prison time of up to four years for each felony charge, which could result in a substantial sentence due to the severity of the crimes committed.
Every nursing home resident has the right to receive high-quality care in an environment where they can trust the integrity of their caregivers. Attorney General James articulated this sentiment, asserting her commitment to ensuring that nursing home residents in New York are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. She reiterated her determination to take action against individuals who mistreat or exploit vulnerable populations, reinforcing the state’s dedication to protecting its nursing home residents against abuse.
The conviction of Phillip Harris stands as a vital reminder of the need for vigilant oversight in caregiving facilities to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals entrusted to their care. The state’s ongoing commitment to addressing these serious allegations reflects a broader initiative to uphold standards in the care of elderly and disabled individuals.
