The head of Saekdongwon, a residential facility for people with severe developmental disabilities in Ganghwa County, Incheon, where sexual violence allegations have surfaced, has been handed over to prosecutors while in custody.
The Saekdongwon special investigation team of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on the 27th sent former facility head Kim, who is accused of violating the Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes and the Act on Welfare of Persons with Disabilities, to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office under arrest.
Two former teachers, who are being investigated without detention on charges of violating the Act on Welfare of Persons with Disabilities, will be transferred to the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency, which has jurisdiction over the place of occurrence, as soon as the investigation is completed.
Kim was arrested on the 19th on charges of violating the Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes and the Act on Welfare of Persons with Disabilities over allegations of sexual abuse against female residents.
According to an in-depth investigation report received by police from Ganghwa County, Incheon, a total of 19 people — all 17 female residents with disabilities and two who had left the facility — were reportedly sexually assaulted by Kim.
Police have also launched a preliminary inquiry before formal booking into an additional 67 people who had been admitted to Saekdongwon. They are also currently investigating four people named as additional perpetrators.
In addition, during a full review of 87 people who had been admitted since Saekdongwon opened in 2008, eight more were identified as appearing to have suffered harm such as assault and confinement.
In connection with suspected misappropriation of subsidies, police conducted searches and seizures on the 20th at Saekdongwon and Kim's residence. They are now analyzing the seized items and related persons is under investigation.