Head of Saekdongwon Facility Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Sexual Assault

The head of Saekdongwon, a residential facility for adults with severe developmental disabilities in Incheon, has been sentenced to a heavy prison term in the first trial on charges of sexually assaulting residents.

Judge Eom Gi-pyo of the 29th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court sentenced Kim, who was indicted and detained on charges including violations of the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes, to 15 years in prison.

The court also issued orders restricting Kim from employment at children, youth, and welfare facilities for the disabled, and placed him under probation.

The court found Kim guilty on all charges, including sexually assaulting three residents at Saekdongwon located in Ganghwa-gun, Incheon, and injuring one of the victims by throwing a glass cup at her head after she resisted the assault.

This ruling came after the court recognized the credibility of the victims' statements regarding the sexual assaults.

However, the court acquitted Kim of the charge of rape of a protected person under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes regarding the offense against one of the victims, ruling that it constituted a violation of the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities Act instead.

The court explained, "There is no doubt that the act constitutes sexual violence causing sexual humiliation to a person with a disability, falling under a violation of the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities Act," but added, "For the crime of rape to be established, there must be violence or intimidation that renders the victim incapable of resisting, and it cannot be seen that such violence or intimidation existed."

Regarding the sentencing rationale, the court pointed out, "It is necessary to impose a strict sentence for sex crimes committed against persons with disabilities, who are socially vulnerable."

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.