Lyons, NY-- NYS Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs Special Prosecutor Patricia E. Gunning announced that a former employee of the Finger Lakes Addictions, Counseling & Referral Agency, Inc. (FLACRA), accused of having sexual contact with a woman receiving treatment was sentenced today on his guilty plea.

Steven Tomlin (DOB: 05/02/77), of Waterloo was sentenced to 3-years in state prison, to be followed by 10-years parole. The defendant will also be required to register as a sex offender and will be permanently barred from working with individuals with special needs in New York State. In November 2014, Tomlin pled guilty to: 

·         One count of Rape in the third degree, a class “E” Felony

Tomlin admitted he engaged in sexual acts with the victim on three separate occasions at a halfway house licensed by the NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS).  Under the law, a victim who is receiving treatment in a residential facility under the jurisdiction of OASAS is incapable of giving consent.

“This investigation and prosecution should serve as a warning to those who prey on vulnerable individuals for their own sexual gratification,” said Special Prosecutor Gunning.  “The Justice Center will vigorously prosecute these cases to ensure that persons who violate their positions of trust will be held responsible for their misconduct and be brought to justice.”

The incident was investigated by Justice Center investigators, with assistance from the Newark Police Department.  Justice Center Assistant Special Prosecutor Rachel Dunn prosecuted the case.

Editors: The defendant's booking photo is attached

About the Justice Center
  

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 of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) 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 Children and Family Services (OCFS), and the State Education Department (SED).

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