Recent cases of sexual abuse against women with disabilities

Below are some of the cases of sexual abuse against women with disabilities that have been reported in the media since my post on November 12. All of these women are younger than 20-years-old, and all have developmental disabilities. One also has cerebral palsy. Three of the male assailants are older than fifty. The other is fourteen years old. One man has a long criminal record and has also been convicted of murdering his first wife - he is also a suspect in the disappearance of his second wife. One man was a landlord to one of the women and one was a family member.

Michigan, Detroit - WLNS reported on the sentencing to 10-17 years in prison last Tuesday of a 60-year-old Brownstown Township man, Roger Sweet, in connection with the sexual assault of a 19-year-old woman with developmental disabilities. His sentencing follows a prison sentence earlier this month on charges that he used the young woman to produce pornography. In addition, Sweet has also been convicted of the second-degree murder of his first wife, Mariene Sweet, for which he will be sentenced on November 25. According to this report, he is also suspected in the disappearance of his second wife, Lizzie Mae Collier-Sweet.

Farmington, New Mexico - The Daily Times reports that a landlord accused of sexual abusing a 16-year-old girl with developmental disabilities while he was visiting her when she was alone was sentenced on November 17 to 18-months in prison.

Lehigh Acres, Florida - News Press reported the arrest of a 14-year-old Lee County teenager in connection with alleged sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl with cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities.

Rochester, New York - An Ogden man charged with 17 counts including rape, sex abuse and endangering the welfare of a 16-year-old girl with developmental disabilities took a plea deal early yesterday afternoon (November 24), according to WHEC. Joseph Brandt plead guilty to a violent felony of criminal sex act and will spend four years in state prison. Brandt, who is a relative of the girl, will be sentenced in February.