According to ABC 6, a child was sexually abused while being counseled by a certified drug and alcohol counselor for the Department of Corrections located in Bridgeton, NJ 08302.
According to court records, 54-year-old Allahdjinn “Ace” Wright was not only employed as a certified drug and alcohol counselor for the Department of Corrections but was also a minister. He was trusted to serve as a counselor for the 15-year-old girl, who had a history of abuse. However, her mother was distraught to discover that he had sexually abused her. Wright not only forced the teen to perform a sex act on him but recorded it and then sent the video to her.
Wright is facing charges of sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child. Records show that he admitted to the assault and has taken the counsel of a public defender.
Attorney contributor Guy D'Andrea represents sex assault victims and their families in civil lawsuits. During a recent interview, Brian discussed when victims could sue if sexually abused by a counselor.
"Patients look up to counselors with trust and respect. While most are trustworthy individuals, there have been reports of counselors abusing their positions of power and trust to exploit their clients. It is the duty of the facility to provide safety measures to prevent sexual predators from gaining employment in these positions. By conducting background checks and having security cameras, a facility can reduce the risks of abuse. Failure to implement sufficient safety precautions can cause them to be liable."
"When a counselor is accused of sexually assaulting a client, especially a child, it is critical that the victim and their family understand their legal rights. In addition to reporting the abuse to law enforcement for a criminal investigation, certain victims may have reason to file a sexual assault lawsuit on a negligent third party. For example, if a counseling center fails to conduct a background check or ignores reports of sexual misconduct, they could be deemed liable by a court."