SPARTA — A Vernon man working at a school for developmentally disabled adults who was allegedly caught on surveillance camera assaulting a non-speaking client has been fired by the facility, officials said.
Steven D. Smith, 25, was suspended and then ultimately terminated by the Willowglen Academy, said Tom Mitchell, the associate executive director of the school.
“Willowglen Academy suspended the individual involved, and is fully cooperating with the Sparta Police Department to investigate the incident,” Mitchell said. “The employee was ultimately terminated following that investigation.”
Smith is accused of assaulting the 26-year-old man on three occasions in May and June at the Academy, a private facility, said Sparta police Sgt. John-Paul Beeb.
The investigation began when administrators noticed the 26-year-old had bruises and contusions on his arms which could not be explained, Beebe said.
Willowglen administrators reviewed surveillance footage and then immediately called police, Mitchell said.
Police said Smith can be seen on the video tripping, slapping, hitting and striking the man in the head with a TV remote control, police said. The incidents happened on May 28, May 30, June 30, authorities allege.
In one of the incidents, Smith shoved the man into a wall, then pushed a table against him, causing a fall, Beebe said. When the man attempted to get up, Smith pushed him back to the ground, police add.
The attacks never happened, according to Smith's attorney, Joel Bacher.
"He denies that any of this stuff went on," the lawyer said. "We haven't had a chance to view any video."
But the Willowglen leadership said they decided to terminate Smith’s employment for the safety of the academy's clients, Mitchell said.
“Our top priority is for the well-being of the consumers we serve, and for the peace of mind of their parents and guardians when entrusting their loved one to our care,” Mitchell said.
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