NORWICH – Following a violent incident and the take-down of a incarcerated patient at Valley Ridge Center for Intensive Treatment (CIT), a staff member is being charged with felony assault.

New York State Police officers arrested CIT staff member Ethan J. Licari, 40, of Vestal, on April 9 and charged him with second-degree felony assault, over the excessive beating of an incarcerated patient during a fight.

The CIT facility houses those accused of crimes, often violent ones, but who are deemed unable to stand trial or be held in regular prison populations due to mental health issues.

“On March 27, 2019 troopers were dispatched to Valley Ridge Center for Intensive Treatment in the Town of Norwich after a resident and a staff member were involved in a physical altercation,” stated investigators. “After an investigation, it was determined that Licari did restrain a resident who was aggressive but Licari then struck the resident which resulted in serious injuries.”

Licari was arraigned in Town of Norwich Court and released on his own recognizance. His scheduled to return to court on April 18, 2019.

- Sun Managing Editor Tyler Murphy