Posted June 26, 2023 10:00 PM ET
Updated June 26, 2023 10:01 PM ET
The Montreal Police Department logo is seen on a police car in Montreal on Wednesday, July 8, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
A nurse has been fired after being accused of sexually molesting several seniors at a Montreal nursing home.
Francisco Ferna Abarca Mena, 56, appeared in a Montreal courtroom on Monday facing five counts of sexual assault and five counts of sexual exploitation.
He worked as a night nurse at CHSLD Angus, a private, unsubsidized senior living facility in the borough of Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie.
According to court documents, the defendant has no criminal record in Quebec.
A statement released on the CHSLD’s website said on June 5 two complaints were received from residents about “improper acts” allegedly committed by a night nurse. The worker was immediately suspended, after which the regional health authority and Montreal police were notified.
According to prosecutors’ charges, Abarca Mena is accused of sexually abusing five victims between January 1, 2022 and June 3, 2023.
The indictment states that Abarca Mena instigated the alleged victims, who have a “mental or physical disability,” to touch him without their consent while he was “in a position of authority or trust” or “in a position of dependency.” was.
The CHSLD said it took immediate action.
“As soon as we were informed of the alleged acts, the male nurse was suspended to allow the investigation to be carried out. The internal investigation quickly led to an immediate dismissal and the filing of complaints with the police and his professional association,” wrote Frédéric Asselin. CHSLD Angus CEO, in the statement, which did not identify the employee.
The case has been referred to the Order of Nurses of Quebec. According to the statement, police conducted their investigations during the week of June 19 before arresting the worker on June 22.
“We acted quickly to ensure everyone’s safety. Alleged victims and their families were met and given the support they needed. They will also be offered ongoing support,” Asselin said.
“We want to recognize the vigilance of our employees who helped bring such acts to a swift end.”
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