Caregiver Assaulted Autistic Patient, Injuring Victim In Burlington Co.: Prosecutor

MEDFORD, NJ — A caregiver for adults with disabilities is facing charges after authorities say he assaulted and injured an autistic patient in his care in Medford.

Fuller P. Williams was working for the Friends of Cyrus Adult Day Services Program. Earlier this summer, he beat an autistic resident with a thin cord at the organization's Medford facility, according to the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office.

The victim sustained multiple injuries and welts to his back and buttocks, authorities said. Other staff members at the facility discovered the injuries and reported the suspected abuse to police.

Williams, 30, of Burlington City, was charged July 29 with endangering the welfare of a disabled adult (third-degree) and simple assault (disorderly persons offense). He was arrested that day and later released after his first court appearance.

Friends of Cyrus provides services and community residences for adults with disabilities. Williams's current employment status with the program wasn't immediately clear, but the organization's CEO says Friends of Cyrus is cooperating with the investigation.

"We take all incidents and allegations of abuse very seriously," CEO and founder Kamelia Kameli told Patch via email. "Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our residents. We are committed to prompt reporting and full cooperation with the authorities in all investigations. We will continue to uphold the highest standards of care, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all of our residents."

Williams didn't have an attorney listed in online court records on Friday.