May 15, 2018
Rochester, NY – NYS Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs Executive Director Denise M. Miranda announced the arrest of a Rochester man, employed as a youth care professional at the Hillside Children’s Center (HCC) in Rochester, on charges he abused a person in his care.
Henry Taylor, Jr. (DOB: 4/12/91), is charged with:
Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or Blood Circulation, a Class “A” Misdemeanor; and
Harassment in the Second Degree, a Violation.
The charges stem from an incident in which the defendant allegedly grabbed the victim by the neck, pushed the victim down on a bed and squeezed the victim’s neck with his hands. The victim was treated for abrasions to the neck. The incident was called into the Justice Center’s hotline by HCC, who also called the Rochester Police Department.
“Physical violence is never acceptable,” said Executive Director Miranda. “Certainly, under no circumstance should anyone place their hands around a service recipient’s neck. It takes only a few seconds to render someone unconscious or cause brain damage. The Justice Center will hold this defendant accountable for his conduct.”
Taylor was arraigned before the Honorable Maija C. Dixon of Rochester City Court and posted $600 bail. He is due to return to court on June 6. Taylor was terminated from his position.
HCC is licensed by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services. Justice Center Executive Director Miranda thanked the Rochester Police Department for their assistance and the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office for their support of this Justice Center prosecution.
About the Justice Center
The Justice Center operates a toll-free hotline for people to report allegations of abuse, neglect, and significant incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Justice Center encourages anyone who has witnessed or has reasonable cause to suspect that a person with special needs has been abused or neglected, or is in danger of being abused or neglected, to make a report.
Individuals who are employed by or who volunteer at a facility or program under the Justice Center’s jurisdiction and certain human services professionals are designated as mandated reporters. These individuals have a legal duty to make a report when they have reasonable cause to suspect that a vulnerable person has been mistreated.
The Justice Center provides mandated reporters with training and guidance to understand their critical role in protecting vulnerable people.
The Justice Center ensures that all reports of abuse and neglect are investigated, including collaborating with local law enforcement agencies when appropriate, prosecutes criminal offenses, and pursues administrative sanctions against staff found to be responsible for misconduct. The Justice Center also provides advocacy services and guidance to victims, their families, personal representatives, and guardians.
Editor’s note: In compliance with Rule 3.6(b)(6) of the Rules of Professional Conduct, you are advised that a charge is an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.