TOWN OF ULSTER – A Newburgh man was indicted on charges that he committed criminal sexual acts against a female resident in his care when he was employed at Gateway Community Industries in the Town of Ulster.
Richard Phillips, 63, was arraigned in Ulster County Court on four counts of criminal sexual act and one count of endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person, both as felonies, and three misdemeanor counts of sexual abuse. The charges stem from incidents in which Phillips allegedly engaged in oral sexual conduct with a person who was unable to consent due to her mental condition.
Regardless of a victim’s condition, under state law sexual contact between an employee and a resident at a facility licensed or certified by the state Office of Mental Health is a crime. Gateway is certified by the state Office of Mental Health.
The state Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs announced the indictment of Phillips following an investigation by the state agency.
Phillips, who was fired from his job as a residential counselor, was released after posting $7,500 bail.
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