Thomas King: Latest News

NEW BRIGHTON, Pa. - Two men who worked in direct care at a western Pennsylvania residential facility inflicted what a grand jury alleges was "violent, demeaning and humiliating" abuse on people with severe physical and mental disabilities, federal prosecutors said Friday in announcing hate crimes criminal charges.Zachary Lee Dinell, 28, and Tyler Smith, 31, are accused of abusing people who are not able to speak to report their injuries and lack the capacity to defend themselves.Their 12-count indictment issued Wednesday describes that from mid-2016 to about September 2017 residents of McGuire Memorial in New Brighton were punched in the face and head, choked, kicked in the face, jumped on, had caustic substances and other liquids rubbed into their eyes and had liquids sprayed and thrown into their mouths.Thomas King, McGuire Memorial's general counsel, said the abuse came to light when police investigating Dinell for another matter found texts and videos on his cellphone. An investigation concluded no others at McGuire were aware or involved, King said.Four lawsuits by residents or their family members have been settled by the home's insurer, King said."This was a horrible event for everyone involved in McGuire," King said Friday, noting policies were changed and security cameras installed as a result.

FILE - Vehicles are displayed for sale at a car dealership on April 21, 2022, in Valencia, California. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) Car buyers are celebrating the first anniversary of the new-car shortage by paying the highest prices ever.J.D.