ALBANY — A Hope House employee is under arrest for allegedly raping a teen in his care.
According to the state Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs, James Whetstone, 32, was working the overnight shift at Hope House in September when he engaged in sexual intercourse with a resident under the age of 18 who was at Hope House for treatment of chemical dependency.
He faces charges of felony rape and the misdemeanors of sexual abuse and sexual misconduct.
“People receiving treatment at residential centers are there to recover from chemical addictions and dependencies,” said Justice Center Special Prosecutor Patricia E. Gunning in a statement. “Employees who abuse these individuals for their own sexual gratification, especially by targeting a teenager who is trying to get help for addiction, are not only breaking the law but they risk undermining and causing a setback to a person’s recovery. For such misconduct, they have to be held accountable.”
Hope House is certified by the state Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services. Whetstone was fired prior to his arrest.
The defendant was arraigned in Albany City Court by Judge Gary F. Stiglmeier and released under the supervision of the Albany County Department of Probation.
The Justice Center conducted the investigation and arrested Whetstone with assistance by the Albany Police Department. Justice Center Supervising Assistant Special Prosecutor Rachel Dunn is prosecuting the case.