WESTFIELD – A Springfield woman has been accused of assaulting a disabled woman who was in her care at a Westfield therapy and service facility in 2013.
Doris Romero, 39, has been charged with four counts of assault and battery on a disabled person. Romero was a development specialist at Sunshine Village in Westfield when the alleged abuse took place.
The police report said between June and July 2013 coworkers witnessed Romero assaulting a 48-year-old woman who is non-verbal, deaf and restricted to a wheelchair.
Coworkers witnessed Romero hit the woman in the thigh with a soft-soled shoe when the woman tried to get Romero’s attention, the report said. She also held a balloon against the woman’s forehead, stretched it, and released it so that it snapped the woman, the report said.
Romero also made the woman slap herself in the face with her own hand, and at one point shoved her into a counter, the report said.
Coworkers said the victim was not aggressive, according to the report.
The report said coworkers gave statements to the Department of Developmental Services, and Romero was terminated from her position at some point following the alleged abuse.
Romero was arraigned June 10 in Westfield District Court. Judge Philip Contant released her on personal recognizance.
The charges each carry a state prison term of up to three years or a jail term of up to 2½ years, or a $1,000 fine or combination of fine and imprisonment.
Romero’s next hearing is scheduled for Aug. 13.