New charges possible for ex- caretaker of patients

The trial of a former employee of a Beaver County special needs facility, who is accused of taking photos and videos of nude patients — including some juveniles, was postponed as investigators uncovered more evidence that points toward possible additional victims in the case.

Zachary Lee Dinell, 25, of Freedom, faced a nonjury trial that was to begin Monday before Beaver County Common Pleas Judge Dale Fouse on more than 40 felony and misdemeanor charges that include filming child sex acts and invasion of privacy. Mr. Dinell allegedly took the photos and video in 2018 while working as a caretaker at McGuire Memorial in Daugherty.

Beaver County District Attorney David Lozier on Wednesday said he hoped to file new charges in the case within the next two weeks but declined to comment further

because of the ongoing investigation.

“The families and legal representatives of the victims in the current criminal case have been notified of the continuance. As part of this ongoing investigation, the New Brighton police department and the Beaver County district attorney’s office will inform the families and representatives of any new victims,” his office said in a statement. “Relevant county and state agencies have been notified as required by statute. The employees and management of McGuire Memorial have fully cooperated with investigators.”

Thomas W. King, an attorney representing McGuire Memorial, said the evidence recently found by investigators has led to the identification of 10 more potential victims in addition to the seven who were already known. Mr. King said McGuire Memorial fired Mr. Dinell as soon as it learned of the allegations. The facility, he said, has hired a private security firm to investigate and attempt to stop similar incidents in the future. “McGuire Memorial is devastated by the recent discovery and our thoughts and prayers remain with the victims and their families,” Christopher M. Shay, McGuire Memorial’s president, said in a statement. “McGuire remains committed to protecting the health, safety and dignity of the individuals to whom we minister.”

McGuire Memorial, a ministry of the Felician Sisters of North America, has served people with physical and developmental disabilities since 1963 in Beaver County.

An affidavit of probable cause for the initial charges in the case said investigators found “obscene and pornographic images” of people with mental and physical disabilities on Mr. Dinell’s phone. In at least one instance, according to the affidavit, Mr. Dinell sent a nude photo of a 19- year- old male patient to a co- worker via the Snapchat app.

An attorney representing Mr. Dinell could not be reached Wednesday.