Springfield, Virginia - MVLE Community Center Behavioral Specialist Bernard Betts-King Charged with Sexually Assaulting Patient

Springfield Healthcare Worker Charged with Sexually Assaulting Vulnerable Woman

A behavioral specialist has been arrested and charged with raping a mentally vulnerable woman at the MVLE Community Center in Springfield, VA. Police also believe they have identified a second victim and believe there may be others.

On Monday, 60-year-old Bernard Betts-King was arrested and charged with rape by “taking advantage of a mental incapacity”, according to Fairfax Police. The alleged assault happened in 2018 when Betts-King was working at the MVLE Center. He was working one-on-one with the victim when the assault occurred.

Betts-King also worked for Community Living Alternatives in Fairfax. Both of these organizations are cooperating with the police investigation.

Detectives ordered a DNA test and determined that the victim was impregnated and had a child as a result of the assault.

Police have asked anyone with information related to this case to contact the Fairfax County Police at 703-246-7800.

Legal Recourse for Healthcare Sexual Assault Survivors

Attorney contributor Kevin Biniazin has dedicated his career to helping survivors of sexual violence find justice in court – first as a prosecutor and now as a civil attorney. Here are some of his thoughts on the legal options available to survivors of sexual abuse in healthcare facilities and the families of vulnerable survivors:

We all expect the healthcare workers in our community to be trustworthy people, and this is usually the case. But unfortunately, there are have also been many reports of healthcare professionals sexually assaulting the patients they’re supposed to be helping. Sometimes, these victims are vulnerable adults with cognitive or mental disabilities. When this is the case, it’s important for the victim’s family to be aware of their legal options.

In many cases of sexual abuse in healthcare facilities, the facility and management share part of the blame for failing to keep patients safe. For example, a healthcare facility might be considered negligent for the abuse of a patient if previous concerns about suspected abuse were raised but never addressed. Another example would be the facility hiring an employee with a history of sexual misconduct because no one ran a background check. In such cases of negligence, the victims and their families may have a strong case for a sexual assault lawsuit.

Have you or a loved one been sexually assaulted by a healthcare employee? Our experienced sexual assault survivors lawyers want to help you find the answers and financial support you deserve. Consider contacting one of our lawyers to learn more about your family’s legal options.