A former Wisconsin group home employee is facing charges after prosecutors allege he repeatedly sexually assaulted a cognitively disabled resident entrusted to his care.
According to criminal charges filed in Brown County, Elias Skenandore, 26, a former employee of Genuine Hearts Group Home in Green Bay, faces four felony counts of second-degree sexual assault by an employee of a residential care entity. Investigators allege the assaults involved an adult resident with the mental capacity of approximately a 12-year-old child.
Cases involving abuse of vulnerable adults are among the most serious breaches of trust. Wisconsin sexual abuse attorneys frequently represent survivors whose abuse occurred while they were living in residential care facilities, nursing homes, group homes, or other environments where caregivers were entrusted with their safety.
What Are the Allegations Against Elias Skenandore?
According to the criminal complaint, Green Bay police began investigating after staff members at Genuine Hearts learned that a resident disclosed she had “messed around” with one of her assigned caretakers.
When confronted by management, prosecutors allege Skenandore initially denied the allegations before later admitting he had sexual intercourse with the resident, characterizing the encounters as consensual. The facility immediately terminated his employment and contacted law enforcement.
Investigators allege the victim later described multiple incidents of sexual contact occurring throughout the group home, including in bedrooms, a bathroom, and common living areas.
According to investigators, the victim also reported that Skenandore instructed her not to tell anyone because they could “both get into trouble” and referenced her disability as a reason to keep the encounters secret.
These remain allegations, and Elias Skenandore is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Criminal Charges
Brown County prosecutors have charged Skenandore with:
- Four counts of Second-Degree Sexual Assault by an Employee of a Residential Care Entity
- Repeater enhancements based on a prior felony conviction
According to court documents, Skenandore acknowledged to investigators that sexual contact occurred and reportedly admitted he knew the conduct violated company policy. He also consented to provide a DNA sample during the investigation.
Vulnerable Adults Deserve Protection
Residents of group homes, assisted living facilities, and residential care programs often depend on caregivers for nearly every aspect of daily life.
That dependence creates an enormous power imbalance.
Because of that imbalance, caregivers occupy positions of extraordinary trust and are expected to maintain strict professional boundaries.
When those boundaries are violated, the emotional and psychological consequences for survivors can be profound.
Sexual Abuse in Residential Care Facilities
Unfortunately, allegations involving caregivers sexually abusing vulnerable adults are not isolated incidents.
Facilities serving individuals with developmental or cognitive disabilities should have safeguards that include:
- Thorough background investigations
- Comprehensive staff training
- Strong reporting policies
- Close supervisory oversight
- Immediate investigation of complaints
- Mandatory reporting procedures
- Protection against retaliation
When these safeguards fail, vulnerable residents may be placed at significant risk.
Can Group Homes Be Held Civilly Responsible?
While criminal charges focus on an individual’s conduct, civil lawsuits examine whether an organization failed to protect those in its care.
Depending on the facts developed during litigation, civil investigations may examine whether a facility:
- Properly screened employees before hiring
- Adequately trained staff
- Responded appropriately to warning signs
- Properly supervised caregivers
- Enforced abuse reporting requirements
- Maintained policies designed to protect vulnerable residents
Not every allegation results in institutional liability, but these are important questions that civil investigations often explore.
Experienced Wisconsin sexual abuse attorneys can help families determine whether additional parties may share legal responsibility.
Warning Signs of Abuse of Adults with Disabilities
Family members should remain alert to behavioral or physical changes that could indicate abuse, including:
- Sudden fear of a caregiver
- Withdrawal or depression
- Increased anxiety
- Unexplained injuries
- Changes in hygiene
- Regression in behavior
- Sleep disturbances
- Reluctance to discuss certain staff members
- Statements suggesting secrecy or fear of getting someone “in trouble”
Individuals with cognitive disabilities may disclose abuse gradually or communicate it differently than other victims. Every disclosure deserves to be taken seriously.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Elias Skenandore accused of?
Prosecutors allege Elias Skenandore repeatedly sexually assaulted a cognitively disabled resident while employed as a caretaker at a Wisconsin group home.
Has Elias Skenandore been convicted?
No. These are criminal allegations. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Can adults with disabilities be victims of sexual abuse?
Yes. Individuals with cognitive, developmental, or physical disabilities are at increased risk of abuse because they often depend upon caregivers and authority figures for daily support.
Can families pursue civil claims?
Potentially. Depending on the circumstances, survivors or their legal representatives may have civil claims against perpetrators and, where supported by the evidence, facilities or organizations whose negligence contributed to the abuse.
What should families do if they suspect abuse in a care facility?
Families should report concerns to law enforcement and the appropriate state agencies as soon as possible. Consulting experienced Wisconsin sexual abuse attorneys can also help families understand their legal rights and preserve important evidence.
Contact Wisconsin Sexual Abuse Attorneys at Andreozzi + Foote
The attorneys at Andreozzi + Foote have dedicated their practice to representing survivors of sexual abuse and holding individuals and institutions accountable when they fail to protect vulnerable people.
If you or someone you love experienced sexual abuse in a group home, residential care facility, nursing home, or another care setting, our Wisconsin sexual abuse attorneys are available to discuss your legal rights during a free and confidential consultation.
Contact us today.
