Background Checks Not Required For Personal Care Home Residents

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The alleged rape of a care home resident remains under investigation in Ambridge.

A 71-year-old woman was allegedly sexually assaulted early Wednesday morning on the bathroom floor at the Maplewood Personal Care Home by 51-year-old Marvin Lee Brown, of Beaver Falls.

Brown also lived at the facility.

"It was a spur of the moment thing," Ambridge Police Chief Jim Mann said. "They were watching TV together. She got up to use the bathroom and Mr. Brown followed her into the bathroom."

The criminal complaint says Brown covered the victim's mouth as she tried to yell for help. The woman's arms were bruised and swollen.

"Both of my parents were in a nursing home and I don't know what I would do if something like this were to happen to one of my parents," Mann said.

Brown had a criminal record that included sex charges and assault. Under state law, personal care homes are regulated by the public welfare department.

Background checks are required for anyone wanting a job at a care home, but care homes are only urged to check prospective residents' backgrounds for problematic behaviors or criminal history. It is not required.

"I sleep with one eye open," Joyce Golden, a resident, said.

The owners of the personal care home did not have any comment.

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