Police Send Former Disability Center Director to Prosecutors in Sex Crime Case

The former director of a residential facility for people with severe disabilities has been sent to prosecutors in custody on charges of sexually assaulting residents.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's special investigation unit announced on the 27th that it had referred the former director of Saekdongwon, identified only by the surname Kim, to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office. Kim faces charges including rape of a disabled person under protection under the Sexual Violence Punishment Act and assault under the Disabled Persons Welfare Act.

Saekdongwon is a residential facility for people with severe disabilities located in Ganghwa County, Incheon.

Police said two former teachers at Saekdongwon, who are under investigation without detention for violations of the Disabled Persons Welfare Act, will be transferred to the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency upon completion of the investigation, as the alleged crimes occurred in that jurisdiction.

Police also disclosed they are conducting preliminary investigations into 67 additional individuals who had been admitted to the facility. Investigations will continue into four other suspects who have been identified as potential perpetrators.

Police executed search warrants on the 20th at Saekdongwon and related locations in connection with allegations of subsidy misappropriation. Authorities are analyzing seized materials while verifying facts with relevant parties.

"We will also analyze additional in-depth reports from private organizations and proceed with the investigation swiftly and rigorously," a police official said.