CRIME: Caretaker faces abuse charges

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CRIME: Caretaker faces abuse charges

staff report • July 7, 2010

HARBESON — Delaware State Police has arrested a 46-year-old caretaker after she

allegedly abused two patients of a Harbeson group home.

Bonnie E. Cornish of Seaford is facing two counts of abuse mistreat or neglect

of a patient or resident of a facility stemming from two separate incidents on

June 28.

According to police, Cornish struck a 26-year-old female patient repeatedly with

a belt because she wouldn't stay in her room. The patient sustained injuries to

her thigh and back areas. Police also allege Cornish struck the victim in the

head with the belt.

Later that night, Cornish allegedly slapped a 27-year-old female patient across

the face after she began crying during a car ride to an appointment. The

patient, who has trouble traveling in vehicles, was left with two scratches,

swelling and redness under her left eye, police said.

Both victims suffer from developmental disabilities and are housed at a group

home on Falcon Crest Drive in Harbeson, police said.

In addition to the charges, Cornish was given a no contact order with the

victims and their place of residence. Cornish was released on a $2,000 unsecured

bond.