Editor’s note: This article contains details of alleged physical and sexual abuse involving vulnerable adults. Some readers may find the content distressing. Discretion is advised.
NORTH BATTLEFORD — The court heard details about alleged abuses at a Wilkie group home care facility on the first day of Jaclyn Elias’ trial at North Battleford Provincial Court on Feb. 9.
Elias is charged with assault, sexual assault, sexual assault with a weapon, and uttering threats.
The accused was arrested on Feb. 29, 2024.
Elias previously pleaded not guilty to the charges.
A publication ban is in effect identifying the complainants in the case.
Police previously reported that on Feb. 28, 2024, Wilkie RCMP received a report of multiple physical and sexual assaults that allegedly occurred at a care facility.
After investigating, police determined that between January 2023 and February 2024, at least four adult residents of the facility were allegedly assaulted, sexually assaulted and/or threatened by a female staff member.
The accused has not worked at the facility since February 2024.
Danielle Elder represented the Crown in the case, with Meagan Ward for the defence, and Judge Ian Mokuruk presiding.
On Feb. 9, the Crown called its first witness, Marissa Merkel, executive director of Prairie Branches Enterprises Ltd.
Her responsibilities include overseeing all aspects of the agency, including client care. The organization operates group homes in Kerrobert, Biggar, Unity and Wilkie.
The group home where the alleged offences occurred is known as Wilkie #3. The home has six clients with cognitive and physical disabilities. They are all confined to wheelchairs and are non-verbal.
The staff — direct support professionals — are trained at the facility.
Merkel noted that three staff members came forward with a report to human resources and that an allegation was brought forward about Elias’ behaviour.
"We contacted the RCMP and Jaclyn was at first put on paid leave.
"We conducted the first three interviews and I contacted the RCMP," she said.
The concerns were connected to four clients, Merkel said.
She said that seven staff members brought forward allegations of abuse.
The second Crown witness was Lisa Knuff, who was a direct support professional, similar to Elias.
"We take care of all the participants [clients]," she said. "You learn their personalities, their likes and dislikes. They are in wheelchairs. They are all vulnerable."
Knuff said Elias was one of her work partners from January 2023 to February 2024.
Knuff noted that Elias’ behaviour was inappropriate on many occasions.
"I observed her being sexual with them," she said. "She would rub her boobs in their face."
Knuff also testified that she observed Elias poke a client in the groin area with a stick on multiple occasions.
"[Elias would say:] 'Do you want it up the bum?'," said Knuff, adding that Elias thought it was funny.
She said Elias also put her fingers in the mouth of one of the clients and said, "you little pervert."
"It was in a sexual manner," said Knuff. "I said it was inappropriate. She said my gloves are clean. I have gloves on."
For another client who was drooling during mealtime, Knuff said she saw Elias stuff a dry facecloth into the woman’s mouth to stop the drooling on multiple occasions.
When questioned by the defence, Knuff said this type of behaviour went on for 13 months but escalated in the last three months before she reported it.
The defence asked Knuff why she did not report the alleged abuse to human resources.
Knuff said she did tell the residential manager that Elias’ behaviour was "inappropriate."
The defence also questioned Knuff’s memory of certain events, including allegations that Elias put clients’ faces into her breasts.
Ward suggested that because Elias is a shorter woman, her breasts may have come into contact with a client’s face while leaning over to place a sling for a lift.
"Not in their face," said Knuff.
The trial continues to Feb. 11.
