Claverack, NY-- NYS Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs Special Prosecutor Patricia E. Gunning today announced that Ryan Quinion (DOB: 07-23-89), who was employed by the Brookwood Secure Center has been charged with assault for his alleged role in the abuse of a youth in his care. The facility is operated by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS).

The incident first came to the attention of law enforcement officials when it was reported to the Justice Center’s Vulnerable Persons Central Register (VPCR) Hotline.  Troop K of the New York State Police conducted an initial investigation, followed by an investigation by the Justice Center.

Quinion, a resident of Hudson was arrested on a Misdemeanor Complaint charging him with:

·         Two counts of Assault in the third degree, a class “A” Misdemeanor;

·         Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree, a class “A” Misdemeanor;

·         Two counts of Official Misconduct, a class “A” Misdemeanor; and,

·          One count of Attempted Assault in the third degree, a class “B” Misdemeanor.

The charges stem from an incident in which Quinion allegedly unlocked the victim’s room and allowed three youths to enter the quarters where they assaulted him. It is further alleged that after the attack? the trio exited the room, the defendant locked the door and then failed to seek medical treatment for the victim who had sustained multiple injuries.

Quinion was arraigned in Claverack Town Court and released on $500 bail.  He has resigned his position. The case is being prosecuted on behalf of the Justice Center by Christina Calabrese and Renee Behrens.

About the Justice Center

The Justice Center and its statewide hotline and incident reporting system began operations on June 30, 2013.   It is staffed 24-hours a day, seven days a week by trained professionals who receive reports of allegations of abuse and neglect of people with special needs.  Once a report is received by its Vulnerable Persons Central Register (VPCR) Hotline, it is logged and assessed.  Serious cases of abuse or neglect are assigned to the Justice Center’s investigation team or, when appropriate, to a local law enforcement agency for follow-up.

The Justice Center also maintains a statewide registry of all persons who have been found to be responsible for serious or repeated acts of abuse and neglect. Once placed on the registry, known as the “Staff Exclusion List” or SEL, they are prohibited by law from ever working again with people with disabilities or special needs.

The Office Children and Family Services (OCFS) is one of six state agencies under the jurisdiction of the Justice Center. The Justice Center also oversees certain facilities or programs that are operated, licensed or certified by the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), the Office of Mental Health (OMH), the Department of Health (DOH), the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) and the State Education Department (SED).

Editors:  The defendant’s booking photo is attached.

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