Staffer drags autistic teen by genitals in shocking video

In a disturbing incident at the Anderson Center for Autism in Staatsburg, New York, Garnet Collins, a 50-year-old case worker, was charged with multiple counts of endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person. This abuse involved the brutal handling of a 19-year-old autistic teen, as captured in a whistleblower's video, which depicts Collins dragging the young man by his genitals while verbally demeaning him. The case has raised significant alarm about the treatment of vulnerable individuals within the facility, leading to public outrage and calls for justice from the victim's family. The Anderson Center, funded primarily through taxpayer money, costs approximately $651 per day for each resident it houses. Despite its long-standing history of operations supporting autistic individuals, this incident has prompted scrutiny over its management practices and the oversight of its employees. The father of the victim has expressed deep concern for his son's emotional and physical welfare, stating that he wants justice not only for his son but for all residents exposed to potential harm. Additionally, the whistleblower who recorded the incident faced dire consequences, including losing his job and risking deportation due to his visa status. This has sparked discussions about the protections for caregivers who report misconduct within private facilities like Anderson Center. Anil, the father, emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the higher-ups who may have ignored signs of abuse and failed to ensure the safety of their residents. This incident highlights systemic issues in New York’s care for disabled individuals, reminiscent of past failures in similar institutions. The previous history of abuse in facilities caring for autistic children has cast a long shadow over the Anderson Center, which must now confront not only the legal repercussions but also its reputation and accountability to those it serves.