Former pediatrician charged with sexual abuse of patient in dementia ward

A Pawtucket man has been charged with repeatedly sexually assaulting a patient at a nursing facility.

Attorney General Peter F. Neronha said 73-year-old Anthony Alario was charged in May with sexually abusing a patient at the Tockwotton nursing facility in East Providence.

A grand jury indicted Alario on Tuesday on charges of first- and second-degree sexual assault.

According to court documents, he sexually abused an elderly patient in the dementia ward.

Officials said an employee at the facility witnessed the attack and reported it.

Following the investigation, Alario surrendered his medical license.

A spokesperson for the assisted living facility sent the following statement, which read in part:

“In May, staff witnessed apparent abuse by a guest of the resident they were visiting. We confronted the alleged abuser and alerted the appropriate authorities. A ban was immediately imposed. We also called medical staff to care for and examine our resident.”

His arraignment in Providence County Superior Court is scheduled for October 2.