Hamden Man, 65, Charged In 'Abuse' Of Developmentally Disabled North Branford Group Home Residents: PD

NORTH BRANFORD, CT — On August 5, 2025, police initiated a criminal investigation at a Deforest Road residence in North Branford, a state Department of Developmental Services group home, operated by Resources for Human Development, headquartered in Philadelphia, according to Chief of Police James Lovelace.

The investigation stemmed from allegations that a staff member abused a 39-year-old non-verbal male resident with developmental disabilities. During the course of the investigation, a suspect was identified as 65-year-old Khatib Abbass, Lovelace said.

The investigation included the review of surveillance video from the group home, the execution of search warrants, multiple interviews, and extensive investigative efforts conducted by Officer Michael Torre and the North Branford police Detective Bureau, the police chief said.

While investigating the initial incident, additional surveillance video revealed the existence of a second victim, a 35-year-old non-verbal female resident with developmental disabilities, who was also allegedly abused by Abbass, Lovelace said.

The North Branford Police Department worked closely with the victims’ parents and family members throughout the investigation, the chief noted. As a result, two (2) arrest warrants were secured for Abbass on the following charges:

• Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree (C.G.S. § 53a-64)

• Disorderly Conduct (C.G.S. § 53a-182)

The arrest warrants were reviewed by the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office and subsequently signed by a New Haven Superior Court Judge, who set bond at $10,000 cash or surety for each case, Lovelace said.

On Sunday, Abbass was arrested at his residence in Hamden, and turned over to North Branford police, processed and released on bond. He's due in New Haven Superior Court, Jan. 9, 2026.

"The North Branford Police Department takes allegations involving vulnerable populations seriously and remains committed to conducting thorough and impartial investigations to ensure accountability and public safety," Police Chief Lovelace said.

All arrests are subject to judicial review and determination in a court of law. The information presented is based on probable cause and does not constitute a conviction.