A Philadelphia man is facing charges after he allegedly assaulted a non-verbal patient at Foundations Behavioral Health in New Britain Borough.
Jophany Raphael, 25, has been charged with neglect of a care-dependent person, simple assault, striking a care-dependent person, and related offenses in connection with the incident. Raphael was employed as a Mental Health Technician at the time of the alleged assault.
Central Bucks Regional Police were dispatched to the 800 block of East Butler Avenue on June 28 for a report of an assault of a patient. Authorities described the victim as an 18-year-old non-verbal patient suffering from myriad intellectual and mental health disorders.
According to charging documents, the victim was in an agitated state and tried to strike several staffers. The complaint states staff first attempted to allow the victim to “pace off” his anger, however after the victim again attempted to strike staff, Raphael attempted to place the victim in a “primary restraint technique” but the victim threw himself on the floor.
Staff again attempted to allow the victim to “pace off” his anger, which led to the victim walking into his room, the report states. Raphael then allegedly followed the victim into his room, threw him onto the ground, and began kicking him in the head, chest and stomach.
The victim was then removed from the room by facility staffers, who documented the injuries and attempted to render aid, police said. As a result of the assault, the victim suffered bruises and abrasions to his chest, arms, wrists and lower back, along with a possible small radial neck fracture, police said.
The victim was taken to Abington Hospital for treatment, according to the complaint.
Court records show charges were filed against Raphael on Aug. 2. He was taken into custody on Aug. 8 and arraigned by District Judge Gary Gambardella, who set bail at $250,000 unsecured.
Raphael’s next court appearance is a preliminary hearing scheduled for Sept. 27 at 3 p.m. in front of District Judge Regina Armitage.
Attempts to secure comment from Foundations Behavioral Health were unsuccessful.
All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using court records and the affidavit of probable cause. This story was updated to reflect the child's current custody status.
See also:
Hatfield Township Man Accused of Sexually Assaulting Child Multiple Times
Souderton Couple Accused of Prolonged Physical Abuse of Young Daughter
Hilltown Man Arrested After Entering Random Home, Getting Slapped by Homeowner, Police Say
Registered Sex Offender from Towamencin Federally Indicted on Child Pornography Charges
Hatfield Man Accused of Kidnapping, Assaulting Woman in Telford Borough
