Albany >> A child care worker employed by St. Colman’s Home pleaded guilty to charges resulting from an incident in which a child under his care was injured, officials said Thursday.
Special Prosecutor Patricia E. Gunning with the New York State Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs announced that Eric Cargile, 28, a child care worker employed by St. Colman’s Home, pleaded guilty in Colonie Town Court to two misdemeanor charges stemming from an incident in which a child with developmental disabilities was injured while under his care.
As part of the agreement, Cargile pleaded guilty to one count of endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor; and one count of falsifying a business record in the second degree, also a Class A misdemeanor.
Cargile was sentenced to 3 years probation. He also agreed to resign from his position at St. Colman’s home and is now permanently barred from working with individuals with special needs in New York state.
“I want to thank Colonie Police for working with the Justice Center throughout the investigation and prosecution of this case,” said Gunning. “This plea holds this defendant accountable for his actions and ensures that he will no longer work with vulnerable New Yorkers.”
The incident occurred last January when the child under Cargile’s care suffered bumps, bruises and scratches while the two were alone in the child’s room. Cargile also admitted he failed to enter the incident in a logbook, as required by St. Colman’s procedures, officials said.
The incident first came to the attention of law enforcement officials when it was reported by St. Coleman’s Home staff to the Justice Center’s Vulnerable Persons Central Register Hotline. A call center representative opened a case tracking file and notified the Colonie Police Department, which launched an investigation with assistance from Justice Center criminal investigators. St. Colman’s Home is certified by the state Office of Children and Family Services.
