Mother claims son sexually assaulted at Challenge Unlimited

The mother of a mentally handicapped adult is suing Challenge Unlimited, a facility that employes disabled persons, for failing to protect her son from a sexual assault.

Bonnie L. Price claims her son Steven Leroy was sexually assaulted by another employee on Nov. 7, 2005, in a restroom. She is suing Challenge Unlimited for damages in excess of $50,000 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

"...Steven Leroy was unable to care and protect himself and entrusted such care to Challenge Unlimited," the complaint states.

Steven Leroy is a resident at the Specialized Living Center in Swansea. He is severely mentally handicapped with an IQ of approximately 15, the complaint states.

"That at all relevant times herein, Steven Leroy was unable to understand an act of sexual penetration, sexual intercourse or other sexual conduct," the complaint states.

He sustained severe and permanent injuries, disability, disfigurement, physical and mental anguish and incurred medical expenses, according to the complaint.

"...He has been unable to perform his work and activities as he has in the past, and is reasonably certain to suffer from impairment in his other activities in the future," the complaint states.

Price is represented by Stephen C. Buser of Columbia.