Health care worker charged

By The Citizen staff report

Wednesday, September 10, 2008 11:00 PM EDT

A health care worker was arrested by the Auburn Police Department after a hidden camera allegedly caught him physically abusing a mentally-disabled patient, police said.
Police have charged Alexander Mark Orofino, 24, of 73 Standart Ave., Auburn, with third-degree assault and endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically-disabled person, both misdemeanors, and second-degree harassment, a violation.

Police, who refused to identify the agency supervising the victim, said they received a complaint from the organization after the victim suffered mysterious injuries in May. After conducting an investigation, officers were unable to determine if the injuries were self-inflicted or suffered at the hands of another individual. A “nanny camera” was then placed in the victim's room to help aid detectives with the case, police said.

On Sept. 9, representatives from the organization approached detectives with video evidence allegedly showing Orofino physically harming the victim, police said. Orofino was immediately suspended.

After being interviewed by detective Christopher McLoughlin and officer John Dixon, Orofino admitted to injuring the victim in May, police said.

The victim was treated for minor injuries in that incident.

Orofino was arraigned in Auburn City Court Tuesday where bail was set at $750 cash or $1,500 bond.

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