Churchill care worker accused of assaulting mentally disabled patient

A care worker at a Churchill residential facility faces charges for allegedly assaulting a mentally disabled resident.

Another care worker reported that Megan Love, 37, of Braddock, kicked, pulled, screamed at and threatened the 52-year-old resident, who is mentally disabled, non-verbal, and has epilepsy and impulse control disorder, according to a criminal complaint.

The resident lives at 2 Holland Road, which serves as a Sevita Health-operated facility for people with severe mental or physical disabilities. Three people are cared for at the home.

The witness, who began working at the facility in June, reported to Churchill police that the alleged assault occurred during her first shift.

The worker reported that Love and the 52-year-old woman began arguing when Love asked the woman to take a nap while the resident wanted to watch a movie.

During the dispute, Love allegedly threatened to withhold food from the resident if she didn’t comply. Love also allegedly called the woman names.

Later in the evening, the witness said Love pulled the woman by her arms and kicked her legs while screaming at her, according to the complaint. Love allegedly kicked, pulled and yelled at the resident until she was in bed.

The witness reported the incident to Sevita Health the next day. The police report says Love has been suspended from her job pending investigation.

The 52-year-old woman did not have any reported injuries.

Sevita Health, a national home and health care provider, did not immediately respond for comment.

Love is charged with abuse of care, simple assault and harassment. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 31.