DISABLED KEY TO RAPE CHARGE

Newsday/Michael Amon

Sexual abuse charges against 64 year old, Pervez Mahmud, a Suffolk group home worker,represent a rare instance when a criminal case is supported by the testimony of mentally disabledpeople.  The six women whose accusations led to the arrest this week of AHRC group home aideMahmud are diagnosed with mental retardation but are highly functioning women who work in thecommunity, go out in the community.  Mahmud, of Manorville, was indicted on 20 charges,including the rape of one woman and the sexual abuse, forcible touching and endangerment of fiveothers.  He was being held yesterday at the Suffolk County jail on $50,000 cash bail or$200,000 bond.
(New York)