Grants Pass, Ore — Two mental health workers in Grants Pass are facing major charges of sexual misconduct with an underage patient.
According to police in Grants Pass 31-year-old Dewayne Sandle-Carnell and 40-year-old Sonia Leamons encouraged and engaged in acts of sexual abuse with an underage patient at the Kairos facility in Grants Pass.
Kairos CEO Bob Lieberman says the incident is a major blow for the mental health facility but he hopes to regain the public’s trust.
It’s just horrendous that these two folks have let us down and let down the team and especially the children and families that we serve,” said Lieberman.
Two child mental health workers are facing major accusations after crimes of sexual misconduct were brought to light at the Kairos youth facility in Grants Pass.
“We were able to substantiate some of the claims that were made to us by Kairos, and essentially made two arrests, one on Sonia and the other a first of Dewayne,” said Lt. Todd Moran.
Grants Pass Department of Public Safety officers say Kairos staff member Dewayne Sandle-Carnell engaged in inappropriate sexual contact with a 17-year-old female patient at the residential facility.
His supervisor, Sonia Leamons, is also charged with encouraging child sex abuse.
“This is not a mistake, this is an egregious act as alleged,” said Lieberman.
Lieberman says the employees were immediately fired when the incident was reported by the underage victim on April 2nd. That report was then sent to police as required by law.
“When there’s any allegation, of any nature, we report right away, as soon as we hear, said Lieberman.
Lieberman calls the alleged crimes shameful, but he hopes to one day regain the public’s trust as a facility that helps children.
“We don’t define ourselves by these actions, this is terrible, we are going to take appropriate action but that doesn’t define the agency,” said Lieberman.
The investigation is still ongoing but Grants Pass public safety officers believe this was an isolated incident.
Sonia Leamons is currently in Josephine County Jail on 20,000 dollars bond.
According to police, Dewayne Sandle-Carnell has posted bond and is out of jail.
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