9 Investigates

9 Investigates: Patient's alleged rape at mental health facility sparks investigation

By Daralene Jones, WFTV.com
By Daralene Jones, WFTV.com
An investigation is underway after a patient at an Orange County mental health facility was allegedly raped.
Workers at Aspire Health, a behavior and mental health facility, are working to determine if any employees should be disciplined.
The suspect was also a patient at the facility, and is now in the Orange County Jail on a charge of sexual battery against a physically helpless victim.
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An Orlando police report details how a patient was sedated, restrained and left alone in a seclusion room for treatment.
A nurse told police she saw Darryl Lynn-Donnell Vann Jr. leaving the patient’s room.
Vann allegedly told the nurse, “That’ll shut her up. I had to do something.”
The nurse and a supervisor found the patient in tears and saying she had just been raped.
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The victim told officers that Vann left the room for a few seconds but then returned to continue.
Aspire Health did not answer 9 Investigates’ Daralene Jones’ questions on camera, but a spokesperson said in an email, “As part of our investigation, we will be looking to determine whether established protocol were followed. Based on the findings, appropriate corrective actions will be identified. If it is determined that personnel failed to follow policies and procedures, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken, up to and including termination.”
Staff is required to check on patients in seclusion every 15 minutes at a minimum.
The patients are kept in an area reserved for those who are combative or at risk of endangering themselves or others.
Only law enforcement, employees or clients placed in seclusion have access.

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A nurse told police the suspect had made multiple sexual advances toward her and other staff, and has been accused of rape within the facility.
According to a report, he was taken to Aspire Health in Eatonville before the accusation.
The report is not clear about whether the nurse’s accusation of rape is related to the current case or another case.
There were several calls for service to the facility since 2015, including four calls for rape or attempted rape and five other sexual offenses.
Aspire told 9 Investigates that the calls for service do no necessarily mean the incidents happened there, or that someone was ultimately charged. 

Cox Media Group

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