Jean Coutu, 53, charged with assaulting elderly man in care home

Ten seniors living in a Charlevoix, Que., private residence have been removed from the home after one of them was allegedly assaulted by a man in "a position of authority."

Jean Coutu, 53, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault and assault causing bodily harm after a 71-year-old resident was allegedly beaten so severely he was disfigured. The alleged events happened on at least two occasions in April and May.

The resident lived in a home that served non-autonomous people with severe intellectual disabilities in St-Urbain, in the Charlevoix region between Quebec City and the Saguenay.

The residence is a private facility affiliated with a public health-care institution.

Coutu was charged Friday in nearby La Malbaie. The police would not confirm the name of the residence or whether the accused was a staff member, but said he was in a position of authority over the victim.

"This individual is known to police. He will be held until June 17, when he will be back in court for his bail hearing," said Sgt. Ann Mathieu of Quebec provincial police.

Public health agency takes over

The public-health agency in Quebec City (CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale) said it took steps to "ensure the safety and integrity" of the nine other people living in the home by transferring them to another location.

The CIUSSS also placed members of its staff in two other residences belonging to the same owner, and removed residents from another of the owner's homes.

In all, 32 people will be relocated and placed under the care of the CIUSSS.

According to Guy Thibodeau of the CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale, the provincial health-care agency is now asking owners of private residences to run background checks to make sure none of their staff members have criminal files.

The investigation is ongoing, and Coutu may face new charges.

The life of the 71-year-old victim is not in danger, officials said. He is being treated for his injuries.