CARMEL, Ind. — A 47-year-old woman was arrested by Carmel police after being accused of raping a minor she was caring for who has special needs.
According to the Carmel Police Department, Stephanie L. Bradshaw, 47, has been charged with rape, Level 3 felony and two counts of sexual battery, Level 6 felony.
Court documents show the victim’s parents hired the woman to babysit their son, who is described by police as autistic and nonverbal, through the Nextdoor app.
Detectives were able to confirm the alleged abuse through security cameras installed throughout the house. The cameras were installed to ensure the juvenile’s safety remotely.
Multiple incidents were recorded, with the most recent one allegedly showing Bradshaw noticing the camera and turning it away from them.
When police spoke with Bradshaw about the alleged abuse, she stated the juvenile was very “handsy” but did not tell the parents about this. Instead, according to court documents, “she wanted the juvenile victim to experience a sexual encounter.” She told police she was no longer able to get pregnant.
Police said in their report that Bradshaw engaged in this conduct despite the facts that the victim is a juvenile, has an Autism Spectrum Disorder and is nonverbal. They claim she did this to “arouse or satisfy her sexual desires.”
Police ask if anyone has any further information about this case to contact the Carmel Police Department at (317) 571-2500.
