An Arizona caregiver has been sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to attempting to sexually assault an elderly woman with dementia. Ernesto Aguilar Barbosa, who was also ordered to lifetime supervised probation and registration as a sex offender, faced charges of attempting to commit sexual assault and child or vulnerable adult abuse with intent. The sentencing delivered by the court drew attention to Barbosa's actions against the most vulnerable individuals in society.
According to a report by ABC15, the victim's family had the opportunity to confront Barbosa in the courtroom. A family member addressed him, saying, "You have acted completely contrary to your professional and moral obligations as a caregiver. You are a sexual predator who preyed on my mother and other vulnerable people." The case came to light after the family installed a hidden camera in the victim's room, capturing proof of the abuse and leading to Barbosa's arrest.
Furthermore, this case has underscored the ongoing struggle for families to monitor their vulnerable loved ones in care facilities. Although Arizona does not have a law that specifically allows or prohibits the use of cameras in long-term care facilities, a bill that would've required such facilities to allow the installation of cameras was passed by the state House but later died in the Senate, as detailed by AARP Arizona State Director Dana Marie Kennedy in statements obtained by ABC15.
The Phoenix Police Department became involved following a 911 call from the victim's daughter, who witnessed the assault via the hidden camera. Court documents, as noted by 12 News, revealed that Barbosa was seen with his pants down against the elderly woman. During Barbosa's sentencing, the judge stated, "Mr. Barbosa chose the most vulnerable victims and those who were least likely to be able to testify against him or to understand the wrongful nature of his actions." The senior living facility where the assault occurred specializes in care for patients with cognitive disabilities.
The daughter of the victim expressed her concerns during the sentencing, claiming she feared for other vulnerable women who might encounter Barbosa in the future. "My hope is that during your remaining time of incarceration, you focus on rehabilitating yourself," she told Barbosa, who didn't make a statement at his sentencing. The punishment administered to Barbosa includes the time he has already served, economic restitution, and a strict prohibition from returning to the scene of the crime or contact with the victim.
