Caroline Torge, 28, former director of New York Society for the Deaf’s home serving deaf residents, is accusing the home that mentally disabled patients were treated “like animals”, beaten, drugged and robbed of their Social Security benefits. In a $12 million lawsuit filed in July, Torge also claims of sexual abuse and molestation and that she had reported the alleged abuses to her boss but was told to keep quiet and not tell authorities. She subsequently told state authorities about the alleged abuses and of fraudulent billing practices and was demoted. Allen Rich, her attorney, outlined the allegations in the lawsuit which involves six deaf patients with mental disabilities. NYSD executive director Pearl Johnson reportedly said she was aware of, but would not comment on, the lawsuit. The home, located on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, receives funds from United Jewish Appeal-Federation of Jewish Philanthropies and other private and government money.

Published On: 2 Iyyar 5770 (2 Iyyar 5770 (April 16, 2010))