Two arrested after reported abuse of patient with disabilities

Two employees of the Capital District Department of Developmental Services Office care facility were arrested following an alleged abuse of a non-verbal resident.

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Sandra A. Villafane, 53, and Chantal A. St. Claire, 37, both of Saratoga Springs, were arrested on March 13. The two were arrested following an investigation into a reported abuse at the Capital District Department of Developmental Services Offices care facility on Alpine Meadows Road in Greenfield on March 2.

Villafane, an employee of the facility, allegedly struck a non-verbal resident. The victim reportedly has multiple developmental disabilities.

After the incident, St. Claire allegedly made a false report into the business logs claiming the victim sustained the injuries earlier in the day and not as a result of the reported abuse. Police say Villafane and St. Claire were communicating about concealing the incident. The two now face the following charges:

Charges

Villafane

• First-degree endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person
• Second-degree harassment

St. Claire

• First-degree falsifying business records
• Second-degree falsifying business records
• Making a punishable false written statement

Villafane and St. Claire were released after processing. They were issued tickets to appear in the Greenfield Town Court on March 20.