House of Good Shepherd Staff Member Arrested, Charged with Rape, Child Endangerment
Statement from Justice Center Acting Executive Director Maria Lisi-Murray
“A collaborative investigation between the Justice Center and the New Hartford Police Department resulted in the arrest of Jaden Chamberlain, an employee at a youth services provider in Utica. Chamberlain has been charged with two counts of Rape in the Third Degree for alleged unlawful sexual conduct with a minor in his care.
The Justice Center was founded on the principle that vulnerable individuals, particularly children, deserve the highest level of protection when receiving care from state-licensed or certified programs. Incidents like this reinforce the importance of our mission.
We are dedicated to holding perpetrators accountable and will continue to work with law enforcement and our partners to ensure justice is served. Our ultimate goal is to promote safe environments for all New Yorkers.
Thank you to the New Hartford Police Department for their partnership and swift action in this case.”
For more information on the arrest, please contact New Hartford Police.
###
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. Anyone who witnesses or suspects an act of abuse or neglect has been committed can make a report. Because the Justice Center is not a first responder, callers are directed to call 9-1-1 if there is an emergency that requires an immediate medical or police response.
The Justice Center has authority to investigate all reports of abuse and neglect in covered facilities and programs, pursue administrative sanctions against staff found responsible for misconduct, and its Special Prosecutor/Inspector General works with local District Attorneys to prosecute criminal offenses involving allegations of abuse or neglect. The Justice Center notifies local district attorneys of all cases of abuse and neglect that occur in their jurisdiction.
Justice Center advocates provide guidance and information to victims, their families, personal representatives, and guardians about the reporting and investigation process, offer support during criminal court proceedings, and are available to accompany victims during interviews and court appearances.
