LOS ANGELES, CA – A Southern California caretaker has been arrested after authorities said he allegedly sexually assaulted an adult patient with cognitive disabilities while working as an in-home caregiver.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department identified the suspect as Howard Parker, 55, of Apple Valley.
Deputies were called on July 23 to a home in the 10000 block of Crow Road in Apple Valley to investigate allegations of abuse, according to authorities.
Parker was employed as an in-home caretaker for the adult victim, who has cognitive disabilities, investigators said. He is accused of sexually assaulting the victim while serving in that role.
Following an investigation, Parker was arrested and booked on several charges, including rape, sodomy, elder abuse and sexual penetration of a victim unable to give consent.
He is being held on $80,000 bail, authorities said.
Information reviewed by Street People indicates detectives released Parker’s booking photo as part of an effort to determine whether there may be additional victims.
“Detectives are releasing Parker’s booking photograph in an effort to identify any additional victims,” the sheriff’s department said.
Authorities have not released additional details about the victim, including the person’s age or medical condition, citing the sensitive nature of the case.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of Parker, or who has information related to the case, is urged to contact the Apple Valley Sheriff’s Station at 760-240-7400 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at 760-956-5001.
Anonymous tips can be submitted to We-Tip by calling 844-909-3006, texting “REPORT” to 844-909-3006 or visiting We-Tip online.
