Social worker faces 14 felony charges after patient says she made him her ‘sex slave’
ELGIN, Ill. – An Illinois social worker faces 14 felony charges after one of her patients said she treated him like a “sex slave.”
There are now three lawsuits – one criminal and two civil – claiming that a former employee at the Elgin Mental Health Center took advantage of her position by making her patients her sex slaves.
Christy Lenhardt, 53, now faces 14 counts of sexual misconduct in Kane County. Lenhardt was charged with eight counts of sexual misconduct with a person with disabilities, and six counts of official misconduct.
The charges come after a state investigation into the Elgin Mental Health Center.
The criminal complaint alleges that one patient, Benahdam Hurt of Aurora, was forced to have romantic trysts with his social worker in her office and in his bedroom in the state-run facility for nearly three years.
“I visit my son every day every weekend and I knew something wasn’t right. I would hear things and people would slip papers to me,” his mother, D’Anntanette Lee, said.
The criminal charges follow civil suits filed in 2017 and 2018. In one of those cases another patient, Mark Owens Jr., claimed Lenhardt made sexual advances toward him when he first showed up at the facility in 2012.
When Hurt said he wanted to stop seeing Lenhardt in her private office, she allegedly retaliated against him by telling his treatment team he was paranoid and in need of stronger medication.
“She can get me drugged to the gills. In all likelihood I better do what she says,” Hurt’s attorney said.
Lenhardt, a long time state employee, resigned in August of 2017. The civil lawsuits are each seeking $10,000 in damages.
“It shouldn’t be this way. This is a terrible crime and not just against my client but against human dignity itself,” Randy Kretchmar, attorney, said.
Lenhardt posted bail on Thursday. Her attorney told the Chicago Tribune that she does not have a criminal history and will wait for the legal process to play out in court.
She is due back in court on April 20.
If convicted, Lenhardt faces probation or between two and five years in prison.
‘Black Panther’ passes ‘Titanic’ at the box office
HOLLYWOOD — “Black Panther” moved past “Titanic” on the all-time list of highest grossing films. But “A Quiet Place” took the top spot at this weekend’s box office.
“Black Panther” has now made $665.4 million domestically, which makes the Disney and Marvel Studios film starring Chadwick Boseman the third-highest grossing film in North American history. The superhero film has now officially passed “Titanic” and is only behind “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and “Avatar.”
That’s not accounting for inflation, however. When accounting for inflation, the superhero film clocks in at No. 34 on the all-time domestic list, according to industry data site Box Office Mojo.
“Black Panther” has been a phenomenon for Disney shattering box office records and cultural barriers in Hollywood. The film has made nearly $1.3 billion globally since opening in mid-February.
As for the film that won this weekend, Paramount’s “A Quiet Place” opened to a stellar $50 million in North America.
The near silent horror film starring John Krasinski and Emily Blunt nabbed the second biggest opening of the year and nearly tripled its budget of $17 million. The big weekend for the horror film was likely thanks to strong word of mouth and critical acclaim. The film currently holds a near perfect 97% score on review site Rotten Tomatoes.
Related: Diversity is dominating the 2018 box office
Coming in second place was Warner Bros.’ “Ready Player One,” which turned in a solid second weekend total of $25 million domestically. The Steven Spielberg film has so far made $391.3 million worldwide.
And rounding out the top three was the Universal comedy “Blockers.” The film starring John Cena and Leslie Mann also had a good weekend in a crowded field opening to an estimated $21.4 million in the US.
via: http://pix11.com/2018/04/09/black-panther-passes-titanic-at-the-box-office/
Man charged with selling drugs while driving school bus
STRATFORD, Conn. — A Connecticut school bus driver has been charged with buying and selling heroin while driving his bus.
Twenty-nine-year-old Garfield Howell was charged Thursday with selling narcotics and risk of injury to a minor. Police say he lives in Stratford but drives a school bus in Bridgeport.
Stratford police say no children were on the bus when he was dropping off or picking up drugs.
A manager from the bus company says they are investigating the allegations.
Howell’s bail was set at $100,000. He is scheduled to appear in court later this month. He does not have an attorney who can comment on the charges.
via: http://pix11.com/2018/04/06/man-charged-with-selling-drugs-while-driving-school-bus/
New York mom used kitchen knife to decapitate 7-year-old son
SWEDEN, N.Y. — A woman used a “large-bladed kitchen knife” to sever the head of her 7-year-old son 10 days after she was released from a hospital mental health unit, authorities said Friday.
Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies arrested 36-year-old Hanane Mouhib after Abraham Cardenas was found dead Thursday night in the family’s home in the town of Sweden, about 15 miles (24 kilometers) west of Rochester in rural New York. She was charged with second-degree murder.
“There’s absolutely no explanation for us,” Sheriff Todd Baxter said at a news conference Friday. “The word ‘evil’ comes to mind.”
According to public records, Mouhib is a licensed nurse practitioner who had worked at a Rochester psychiatric center.
Baxter said the sheriff’s office received three 911 calls from the home in quick succession around 8:20 p.m. Thursday, one of them reporting a suicidal woman with a knife. When deputies arrived, they had to use pepper spray and a stun gun to subdue Mouhib, who refused to drop the knife, Baxter said.
Court papers say Mouhib used the knife to stab the boy in the upper back then cut his neck, severing his head.
Mouhib’s husband, mother-in-law and a 10-year-old boy were in the house with her, Baxter said. He said they hadn’t seen any warning signs and were taken by surprise at the slaying.
Mouhib had recently called the sheriff’s office seeking assistance with mental health problems, Baxter said. Deputies arranged for her to be taken to a hospital psychiatric unit March 5 and again March 8, when she was admitted to Rochester General Hospital until March 26, he said.
Mouhib is being held in the county jail without bail. She had not been assigned a public defender at midday Friday. Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley said a preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 11 but she plans to present the case to a grand jury before that.
Abraham Cardenas was a first-grader at Barclay Elementary School in the Brockport district.
“This is a very shocking situation for us,” District Superintendent Lesli Myers said. She called Abraham “an engaged learner” who “lit up a room any time he entered it.” She said grief counselors would be at the school when students return from spring break Monday.
via: http://pix11.com/2018/04/06/new-york-mom-used-kitchen-knife-to-decapitate-7-year-old-son-police/
Mouse Parts Found in Soup That Apparently Caused Oregon Woman to Become Violently Ill
An Oregon woman who alleges she found mouse parts in her soup after consuming a bowl left her ill has sued Pacific Foods for negligence.
Court documents obtained by The Oregonian show 72-year-old Maesel Dorn bought a carton of Pacific Foods organic soup in January from the Wood Village Fred Meyer.
When Dorn consumed the soup, she said she became violently ill, according to television station KPTV in Portland.
A few days later, she tried the soup again — only this time she said something that looked like a mouse intestine fell from the carton.
According to court documents, Dorn contacted Pacific Foods about the issue.
The company told her to take the object to the same Fred Meyer store and a company employee would come pick it up and test it, but that never happened.
Dorn is suing Pacific Foods for more than $400,000, claiming negligence.
KPTV reached out to Pacific Foods for comment on the lawsuit.
A spokesman said they do not comment on pending litigation, but they say they take all customer complaints seriously, saying in part, “We can say that our utmost priority is ensuring the safety and integrity of our products.”
Arizona Man Accused of Kidnapping, Sexually Assaulting Utah Girl Said He Wanted Her as His ‘Pet’
An Arizona man accused of kidnapping a Utah girl and holding her captive in his home allegedly told her he wanted to keep her as his “pet,” according to court documents.
Authorities charged 38-year-old Raymond Burk with human trafficking of a child and aggravated kidnapping Monday, according to KTLA sister station KSTU in Salt Lake City.
Burk picked up the 17-year-old victim from her home in St. George, Utah, and took her to his house in Phoenix, Arizona, where held her against her will for a week, according to a probable cause statement.
Investigators believe Burk met the victim after she posted online in 2016, saying she was, “depressed and wanted someone to pick her up.”
“The man (Burk) told the child victim that he would take away her depression and she would be happy with him,” the probable cause statement said. “The man said he would take child victim to his house in Leeds, Utah, and have her home in two days.”
The victim told Burk she was only 17 years old and he told her that was “even better.”
On June 2, 2016, Burk allegedly arrived at the child victim’s father’s house and picked her up before taking her to a bank where she withdrew money.
Then, he and the victim drove for about 45 minutes when she realized something was wrong.
“Leeds, Utah, is only about 30 minutes from St. George, Utah,” the probable cause statement said. “Child victim asked Burk if they were still going to Leeds. Burk replied, ‘I lied. I live in Phoenix.’”
Police said the child victim asked Burk if she would still be home in two days and Burk told her he intended to keep her as his “pet” indefinitely.
When the two got to Phoenix, the victim said Burk held her against her will for a week and sexually assaulted her multiple times.
Burk allegedly tied the victim to his bed with a rope and physically assaulted her when she asked to leave.
The probable cause statement said that the victim was eventually able to access Burk’s friend’s phone and sent messages from social media applications.
Burk attempted to transport the victim when he learned police were arriving, but she was able to make contact with officers and tell them what happened.
The Utah Attorney General’s Office is coordinating prosecution with Arizona authorities. Burk’s next court appearance is set for April 25 in Phoenix.
via: http://ktla.com/2018/04/04/arizona-man-charged-with-kidnapping-said-he-wanted-utah-girl-as-his-pet/
Safaree robbed at gunpoint of $183,000 in NJ
FORT LEE, N.J. — A rapper and reality star says he was robbed at gunpoint in New Jersey in what was “one of the worst, scariest nights of my life.”
Safaree Samuels says the robbery happened Monday in Fort Lee around 2 a.m. The 36-year-old told WWPR-FM two men ran up and had him face down on the ground with a gun to his head.
Police say the suspects stole $183,000 in cash and jewelry.
Police Capt. Matthew Hintze says officers tried to stop a SUV near the scene, but the driver fled into New York City.
Hintze says the driver lost control and crashed into a concrete divider, and three people ran from the scene.
Police have arrested two suspects and charged them with robbery. A search for the third person is ongoing.
via: http://pix11.com/2018/04/04/rapper-safaree-robbed-at-gunpoint-of-183000-in-nj/
Off-duty cop pistol-whips man, steals his pants and shoes in Brooklyn
BUSHWICK, Brooklyn — An off-duty police officer allegedly pistol-whipped a man outside a Bushwick nightclub and robbed him, prosecutors said Wednesday.
Anthony Delacruz, 34, and an unidentified accomplice were caught on video in a confrontation with another man on May 28 around 3:30 a.m., officials said. Delacruz pointed his service weapon at a man who was hiding behind a car.
All three men go off camera and, when they return, the unidentified accomplice is carrying clothing and sneakers, prosecutors said. Delacruz and his accomplice walked away.
The victim, who can be seen on camera dressed only in a t-shirt and boxers, walked away with no shoes on, officials said. Delacruz allegedly pistol-whipped him when they were off camera. The victim’s DNA was found on the muzzle of Delacruz’ gun.
A shell casing at the scene also massed Delacruz’ gun.
“This defendant’s alleged brazen and criminal behavior was in direct contradiction to the oath he took to protect and serve,” Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said. “He then allegedly made a deplorable situation worse by falsely accusing multiple individuals of robbing him.”
Delacruz had initially told other officers that his alleged victim had actually robbed him along with some other men, officials said. Officers responding to a call for shots fired found him near El Mekkah Bar and Grill.
He allegedly told them he was in his vehicle when he was surrounded by several men who stole his gold chain, Rolex watch and a gold ring before fleeing, prosecutors said. Delacruz said he chased after the perpetrators and fired at them once.
A group of people were taken into custody after Delacruz told police his version of what happened, but video evidence quickly showed his version of events was not accurate.
He was arraigned on 14 charges Wednesday. Delacruz was charged with robbery, assault, menacing, falsely reporting an incident and petit larceny, among other charges. He faces up to 25 years in prison for the robbery charges.
Disney World Bus Driver Accused of Luring 15-Year-Old Girl for Sex Through ‘Whisper’ App
A Walt Disney World bus driver has been arrested after deputies say he tried to lure a 15-year-old girl for sex, authorities said.
Kevin Van Orman, 35, was taken into custody on March 25 by undercover detectives when he arrived at a home in Bartow, Florida, where he planned to meet up with the teenage girl for sexual activities, television station WFTS in Tampa Bay reported on Monday.
Van Orman used the app “Whisper” to respond to a post that had been placed by an undercover detective pretending to be a 15-year-old girl, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
As the conversation continued, Van Orman asked the girl to meet up with him while she was on a trip to Disney World, according to the report.
Van Orman also solicited another undercover detective posing as a 14-year-old girl, the arrest report stated.
During the conversation, the user told him that she was 14-years-old.
Van Orman replied stating that he was 35-years-old, followed by: “But we can keep talking if you’d like.”
Following his arrest, Van Orman told detectives “I think I’m addicted to sex” and “for some reason tonight I was thinking with the wrong head,” according to the arrest report. He also said, “Some of the 16 years old I’m attracted to. I see them every day. The worst ones are the Brazilians.”
Van Orman was a bus driver at Walt Disney World, according to his booking information with the jail. A spokesperson with Disney said he is on unpaid leave pending the outcome of the charges.
The arrest report states that Van Orman is married and has a 5-year-old daughter, a 2-year-old son and his wife is currently four months pregnant.
He has been charged with lewd battery, using a computer to solicit a child and traveling to meet after using a computer to lure a child.
Van Orman was released on bail.
3-year-old girl found dead in Queens apartment; police suspect child abuse
ROCKAWAY, Queens — A 3-year-old girl was found dead in a Queens apartment and police are investigating if child abuse was a factor.
Police were called about 6 p.m. Monday to an apartment on Beach 105th Street near Shore Front Parkway and found Bella Edwards unconscious and unresponsive. Her stepfather, the only adult home, was performing CPR on her.
“There were a number of fireman and ambulances…trying to resuscitate her,” neighbor Doris King said.
She was rushed to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
The medical examiner has not yet revealed the cause of death. Police are investigating if child abuse was a factor.
Edwards’ body showed signs of trauma consistent with abuse, a police source told PIX11. The source said that she was covered in bruises, had new injuries and several old injuries that were healing, and there were signs of sexual abuse.
Her parents are being questioned by detectives from the Special Victims Unit. No arrests have been made.
King said she does not know Edwards’ parents and only saw her around the building.
“Very cute little girl. Never knew anything was wrong,” she said. “Very shocking, very sad.”
The New York City Administration for Children’s Services is also investigating.
“Our top priority is protecting the safety and wellbeing of all children in New York City. As soon as this family came to our attention last night, we immediately launched an investigation with the NYPD,” Deputy Commissioner Eric Ferrero said.
A 3-month-old who lived in the apartment where Edwards was found has been taken to a hospital for evaluation.