PINELLAS PARK, Fla. — A former staff member at Personal Enrichment through Mental Health Services in Pinellas Park was arrested after police say he sexually battered and molested three adults.
Nicholai Brief, 34, was charged with sexual battery and lewd or lascivious molestation committed upon and in the presence of an elderly person or person with disabilities.
According to arrest reports, Brief touched the breasts of two of the victims, asked one of the victims to send sexually explicit photos and forced another into a dark room where he molested them. An arrest report said Brief told one victim, "You're not going to tell anyone are you."
Police said the charges may be enhanced because of the mental state of the victims. Brief was in a position of trust and authority over the three victims, who were at the facility for mental health services and assistance, according to law enforcement.
Brief has been fired.
Police are asking anyone who was a client at PEMHS and believes they are a victim of Brief to call the police department at 727-369-7864.
On Friday morning, PEMHS released a statement via an attorney:
"PEMHS has a strict protocol in place regarding any and all reports of this nature, takes these reports seriously, and condemns this type of alleged behavior. Once PEMHS became aware of these claims, it opened an immediate investigation regarding the incident, terminated Mr. Brief’s employment, and promptly notified appropriate officials."
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