THE BRONX — A Bronx group home counselor has been indicted for repeatedly punching and knocking out a person who he was supposed to be taking care of.
William Roberts, 57, allegedly punched his victim in the face several times on May 21, 2015 in The Bronx, knocking the person unconscious.
The victim was treated at a local hospital and released, according to the New York State Justice Center.
Roberts was employed by the nonprofit group Community Access, which provides services to people with mental health needs, but he has since been fired from his position, the Justice Center said.
Community Access did not respond to a request for comment.
Roberts pleaded not guilty to charges of assault and endangering the welfare of a disabled person. He was released on $2,000 bail and is due back in court on July 25, officials said.
He is being represented by attorney Ed McGowan, who did not respond to a request for comment, and he is being prosecuted by both the Justice Center and the Bronx District Attorney's Office.
“Crimes against especially vulnerable persons will not be tolerated," Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark said in a statement.
"We will do everything possible to give a voice to victims who cannot speak for themselves and bring them justice.”