Former group home worker accused of beating patient with autism

PITTSBURGH — When Channel 11′s Gabriella DeLuca went to Sandra Burton’s home on Tuesday, she didn’t answer the door.

In her front yard, there was a sign advertising a business called “Burton’s Home Care.”

Just six months ago, Burton was accused of beating one of her patients who has autism, while she worked at Pressley Ridge Center.

Over the summer, the alleged victim and a witness came forward to police. The witness told detectives they saw Burton holding the male patient on the ground, with his shirt wrapped around her hand, and her knees on his back.

Plus, the witness said they saw Burton punch and kick the victim multiple times on his back, body, and head.

According to detectives, the witness also allegedly heard Burton tell the patient, “You better be glad, ****** ******, that I don’t have my tennis shoes on. I would have stomped the **** out of you.”

The victim also told police that while Burton was allegedly hurting him, he told her he couldn’t breathe.

Burton is facing strangulation, simple assault, and abuse of care of a dependent person charges.

A spokesperson for Pressley Ridge told Channel 11:

“Pressley Ridge is aware of the recent charges against a former employee. In fact, when allegations first surfaced, we immediately contacted Child Line. We have strict policies in place to ensure the safety and well-being of those in our care, and take the responsibility of those that we serve seriously. We continue to cooperate fully with the authorities on this matter.”

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