CLEARWATER, Fla. — A supervisor at Goodwill-Suncoast in Pinellas Park was recently arrested and charged in connection with the man having an inappropriate relationship with a disabled woman that he oversaw, according to court records.
- Samuel Barreto-Nieves, 32, facing multiple charges
- Investigators say victim lacks capacity to give consent
- Barreto-Nieves released on $10,000 bond
Samuel Barreto-Nieves, 32, was charged last week with felony lewd and lascivious battery of a disabled adult, as well as lewd and lascivious exhibition in the presence of a disabled adult.
Last month, Barreto-Nieves exchanged nude photos with the victim over fake social media accounts, despite being warned by a case worker to avoid a romantic relationship with the disabled woman, according to Pinellas Park Police. Detectives said the victim suffers from cerebral atrophy and lacks the capacity to give consent.
Barreto-Nieves is also accused of taking the victim to an area inside the Goodwill-Suncoast that’s not under surveillance video and exposing himself. Barreto-Nieves was fired after his arrest.
Goodwill-Suncoast marketing director Chris Ward released a statement to Spectrum Bay News 9 in regards to Barreto-Nieves:
"Goodwill-Suncoast’s Life Skills Development program serves adults with disabilities. The safety and well-being of our program participants is our highest priority.
Goodwill conducted an investigation into and fully addressed this matter. The associated staff member is no longer employed with Goodwill-Suncoast."
Barreto-Nieves was released from the Pinellas County jail last Saturday on a $10,000 bond. We tried reaching Barreto-Nieves at his St. Petersburg home, but his mother declined our request for an interview.