Staff Member Accused Of Holding Pillow On Resident's Face At Autism Center: NYSP

TOWN OF HYDE PARK, NY — A vulnerable resident of a home for the autistic was abused by a staff member, according to police.

New York State Police say that on August 2, around 10:37 a.m., troopers from the Rhinebeck barracks responded to the Anderson Center for Autism, located in the Town of Hyde Park, after receiving a report of a resident with visible bruising.

After an investigation by troopers and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, it was determined that a staff member, identified as 22-year-old Deijeanae S. Edwards, of Poughkeepsie, had held a pillow against the resident's face while restraining their arm.

Staff at the center also told police that the resident had fresh bruising on their chest, arms, and shoulder.

"Additional staff members immediately intervened in this situation and the individual was removed from the residence and placed on administrative leave," the Anderson Center told Patch in a statement "We also reported this to law enforcement and are supporting the ongoing investigation into this matter. We have a strict zero‑tolerance policy for any action that puts the safety of our residents at risk and the well‑being of those we serve remains our highest priority."

As a result of the investigation, Edwards was arrested on Thursday and charged with misdemeanor second-degree endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person.

She was released on an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Hyde Park Court on August 19.