Colwyn, Pennsylvania — Two Pennsylvania caregivers are facing multiple criminal charges after authorities alleged they abused and neglected a 20-year-old woman with Down syndrome, leaving her malnourished, injured and outside in cold, rainy weather for hours.
According to court records, Yahnae Clegg-Brown, 31, and Naiyr “Hasan” Sanders, 35, were arrested on July 7 in Delaware County. Both are charged with neglect of a care-dependent person and abuse of a care-dependent person, while Sanders also faces additional charges of simple assault and another count of abuse.
The allegations have not been proven in court, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Investigation Began After Report of Someone Crying Outside
Authorities said the investigation started on April 25 after emergency dispatchers received reports of someone who appeared to be a juvenile crying outside a residence for several hours.
When officers arrived, they found it was actually a 20-year-old woman with Down syndrome who was under the care of her aunt, Clegg-Brown, and her aunt’s boyfriend, Sanders.
According to investigators, it was around 40 degrees and raining steadily at the time.
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Police said the woman was discovered behind the home soaked from head to toe, holding a trash bag containing clothing.
Officials also reported that she had an injury near her right eye, multiple marks on her body and signs of malnourishment. Emergency medical personnel responded after she told officers she had been hurt.
Prosecutors Allege Victim Was Underfed and Physically Abused
According to prosecutors, the woman was systematically underfed and assaulted while living in the home.
Investigators allege the caregivers regularly refused to provide her with food and physically attacked her when they were unhappy with her behavior.
Authorities also claim she was forced to sleep in a room containing bunk beds with a deteriorating mattress, but without basic bedding such as sheets, blankets or pillows.
Prosecutors further alleged that the victim, who has diabetes, lost approximately 50 pounds while living at the residence, dropping to about 82 pounds.
Video Evidence Allegedly Captured Assaults
According to the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office, investigators recovered surveillance video that allegedly documents multiple assaults.
One video reportedly shows Sanders pushing the woman down concrete stairs before shutting the door in her face. Another video allegedly shows him punching her on the right side of her face, according to prosecutors.
Authorities say the evidence became a significant part of the criminal investigation that ultimately led to the arrests.
Victim Recovering as Defendants Remain in Jail
The woman was transported to a hospital for treatment and is now recovering in a safe location, according to prosecutors.
Court records show both defendants were unable to post bail, which was set at 10% of $250,000. They remain in custody ahead of a preliminary hearing scheduled for July 16.
The investigation remains ongoing as prosecutors continue preparing the case. Additional details may emerge during future court proceedings.
What are your thoughts on this case? What more should be done to protect vulnerable adults from abuse and neglect? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
