x
Breaking News
More () »

Police: Man accused of Phoenix care facility sexual assault arrested

The assault reportedly happened at the facility near the intersection of 19th and Van Buren streets.

PHOENIX — Police have arrested a man accused of sexually assaulting a woman at a Phoenix mental health facility on Saturday.

The man, identified as 77-year-old Emiliano Fausto, was arrested after a nurse told officers they saw Fausto on top of an incapacitated woman with his pants down, the Phoenix Police Department said. Police did not specify Fausto's connection to the facility, if any.

The victim, whose identity hasn't been released by police, is a permanent resident at Allegiant Healthcare of Phoenix due to having limited brain activity and regular seizures, the department said. She was reportedly strapped to the bed to sleep when Fausto entered the room and committed the assault.

The victim told police she told Fausto multiple times to get off her and that he touched her. The nurse told police they walked in on Fausto while he was on top of the victim.

While questioned by officers, Fausto said he heard the victim yell for help. He said he walked into her room to see her with her clothes off and then left the room, claiming he never touched her.

This is a developing story. Tune in to 12News for the latest information.

Latest Arizona news

Catch up on the latest news and stories on our 12News YouTube playlist here.

Silent Witness:

Arizona's Silent Witness program allows people to send in tips and share information about crimes happening within their local communities.

The program shares unsolved felony case information in multiple ways, including TV, radio and social media.

Anyone who has information on a crime or recognizes a suspect described by the program is asked to call 480-948-6377, go to the program's website online or download the Silent Witness app to provide a tip. The identity of anyone who submits a tip is kept anonymous.

Calls to Silent Witness are answered 24/7 by a live person and submitted tips are accepted at all times. Submitted tips are then sent to the detective(s) in charge of the specific case.

Individuals who submit tips that lead to an arrest or indictment in the case can get a reward of up to $1,000.

Have a tip? Submit it on the Silent Witness tip form here.

Before You Leave, Check This Out