Care home worker Robert Phelan charged with sexually assaulting 93-year-old patient

A nursing home worker has been charged with sexually assaulting a 93-year-old patient.

Robert Phelan Jr, 56, is accused of having 'inappropriate contact' with the elderly patient at 4 am last Sunday in Lexington Health Care, Illinois.

Police were called to the home after a staff member witnessed the alleged assault.

Speaking to the Chicago Sun Times, Lexington Health Care spokesperson Lyndsay Czwoog said Phelan had been with the home for just 1-1/2 weeks, but is no longer with the company.

She added: 'We take appropriate measures in our hiring process, and follow state and federal regulations to ensure the highest level of safety for all of our patients and residents.

'We are aware of the allegations and are fully cooperating with authorities, as well as conducting our own in-depth inteal investigation.'

Lieutenant James Bianchi was unsure when the assault occurred, but said Phelan willingly retued to the station around 4:30 am with investigators.

Fired: A spokesperson for Lexington Health Care said Phelan no longer works for the company

The investigation stemmed from the original phone call from an employee at the facility, witness statements and a sexual assault examination at South Suburban Hospital.

Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault is a Class X felony, carrying a sentencing range of six to 30 years in prison, if convicted.

Phelan is scheduled to appear in Cook County court August 8.

On Tuesday bail was set at $350,000.