Dayton, OH – A Montgomery County grand jury has indicted a former Graceworks Lutheran Services worker accused of sexually assaulting a woman with developmental disabilities in Dayton last month.
Former Graceworks Employee Indicted in Assault of Disabled Woman
Anthony W. Alcorn, 69, of New Carlisle, faces one count each of rape and gross sexual imposition, along with two counts of kidnapping, according to the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office. Prosecutors say Alcorn attacked the woman while driving her and another man back to a group home on Sept. 16.
Witness Stops Alleged Sexual Assault
A resident on Burkhardt Avenue reportedly saw a van parked in the alley behind his home and went to check on it. When he approached, he allegedly found Alcorn assaulting the woman in the back of the vehicle. The witness and a friend confronted Alcorn, took his keys to stop him from fleeing, and immediately called 911. Dayton police arrived soon after and arrested him at the scene.
Victims Unable to Communicate Following Sexual Abuse by Driver
According to authorities, both the woman and the male passenger in the van have developmental disabilities and are non-verbal. Prosecutor Mat Heck Jr. described the case as sickening, emphasizing that the victim would not have been able to report the crime herself without the witness’s intervention. “If not for the quick thinking and cooperation of the witness, this defendant would certainly never have been caught,” Heck said.
Graceworks Confirms Termination of Accused Driver
Graceworks Lutheran Services confirmed that Alcorn, who served as a direct support professional for eight years and transported residents for its Enhanced Living program, was fired immediately following the arrest. “We are outraged by the information we have received to this point, and we are cooperating fully with law enforcement to ensure this investigation is handled swiftly and that the suspect is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” the organization stated.
Ohio Attorney Explains Legal Options for Victims Abused by Care Drivers
In the aftermath of recent allegations against a former care worker accused of assaulting a woman with developmental disabilities, families are asking what legal steps can be taken to protect vulnerable adults. Ohio lawyer John Bey, who has handled cases involving abuse in group and retirement home settings, discusses how victims and their families can hold negligent organizations accountable and pursue civil remedies alongside criminal charges.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: For families learning about cases like this, what are the legal options to protect their loved ones and hold organizations responsible?
John Bey, Esq.: Families can explore civil claims not only against the abuser but also the employer, especially if the facility failed to properly vet, monitor, or respond to employee misconduct. Those failures can amount to negligence under Ohio law…