Arthur Apgar, a hospice chaplain operating in Sacramento County, is due in court after being charged with the sexual assault of an elderly woman under his pastoral care, officials said. The chaplain stands accused of four counts of sexual battery against a person who is seriously disabled or medically incapacitated, as reported by KCRA 3. The surveillance video, which captured one of the assaults took place over recent weeks, depicts a deeply troubling breach of the trust bestowed upon those sworn to comfort the most vulnerable.
Sgt. Amar Gandhi of the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office stated that the family had purchased the camera, which recorded the assault, hoping to communicate better with their loved one. According to FOX40, they instead bore witness to a nightmare. Apgar, who reportedly worked as a chaplain for a private company under contract with several hospice facilities, has had access to patients for many years, leading investigators to fear there may be additional victims yet to come forward.
The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office has encouraged anyone with information or concerns that a loved one may have been in contact with Apgar to reach out. They're particularly interested in hearing from other survivors or those with knowledge about the case. Apgar posted bail to be released from custody, having been held at the Sacramento County Main Jail with his bail set at $20,000.
The family of the elderly woman assaulted is hoping for a measure of justice, and they implore other families possibly affected to make their stories heard, "The older woman who was assaulted resides at the care facility," the family told KCRA 3. The implication of trust, shattered by the alleged crimes of Apgar, hangs heavy over the community as the case progresses into the judicial system. For additional details or to report information regarding the case, contact the sheriff's Sexual and Elder Abuse Bureau at 916-874-5070 or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at 916-443-4357.
