Former New Bedford Caretaker Charged With Assault and Battery

A former caretaker from New Bedford has been arraigned this week after an incident in a Bourne group home earlier this spring.

According to the Cape Cod Times, on May 29, a co-worker witnessed 28-year-old Debora Defrias of New Bedford tip a 58-year-old disabled patient out of his recliner, sit on his chest, and drag him across the floor in an attempt to get him to take his medication. According to court records, the man suffered scratches to his face and a scrape on his elbow.

Defrias was fired from the group home run by Seven Hills Foundation several days after the incident.

Defrias was arraigned Monday in Falmouth District Court and is charged with assault and battery on a disabled individual causing injury. She has been released on personal recognizance.

Defrias is due back in court Dec. 4 for a pretrial hearing.