Man Charged in Sexual Assault of Dementia Patient

A Chicago-area nursing home says a worker charged with sexually assaulting a 93-year-old dementia patient had been working at the facility for less than two weeks.

Robert Phelan of Oak Lawn is charged with aggravated criminal sexual assault.

Orland Park police say a fellow worker at Lexington Health Care saw the 56-year-old Phelan engaged in "inappropriate contact" with the female patient.

Lexington spokeswoman Lydnsay Czwornog says Phelan had worked at the home for about a week and a half.

She says Lexington is cooperating with police and is conducting its own internal investigation.

Police say Phelan was charged based on witness statements and an examination of the victim at South Suburban Hospital.

Bond for Phelan has been set at $350,000. It wasn't immediately clear whether he has an attorney.