Disabled clients abused at day centre, police say

Unlicensed Vaughan facility closed, owners charged after family files complaint

The owners of an unlicensed support centre for people with disabilities in Vaughan have been charged with neglecting and assaulting four people who attended its day programs.

York Region police launched an investigation in August into the Hope Centre on Romina Dr., near Jane St. and Langstaff Rd., after a concerned family member reported possible abuse.

Police said the investigation identified three additional victims.

Officers executed a search warrant Oct. 13 and arrested the owner, her son and her husband, all of whom worked at the centre.

The centre has since been shut down by police and attendees have returned to their families.

Police say the victims were physically assaulted and forcibly confined and the owners didn’t provide adequate food, medication or supervision.

“People were paying for loved ones to attend the centre and participate in programs, but evidence suggests what they were paying for is not what they were receiving,” said Const. Laura Nicolle.

The investigation is ongoing; police say more information might emerge.

Rosalina Panetta, 47, of Vaughan, has been charged with failure to provide necessaries of life, assault and fraud.

Her husband, Giuseppe Morana, 41, has been charged with assault.

Her son, Onofiro DeFina, 27, of Vaughan, has been charged with failure to provide necessaries of life, forcible confinement and assault.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police criminal investigations bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7441.