Caregiver charged with sexually assaulting disabled man

Natayla Akinsheva, a 49-year-old caregiver in Tacoma, is charged with sexually assaulting a 19-year-old man with severe disabilities, including autism and developmental delays. The victim's mother installed hidden cameras in their home, acting on a maternal instinct, and discovered the assault while reviewing footage. Witnessing the incident on April 10 prompted her to confront Akinsheva, who claimed she was merely changing the victim's diaper. However, Akinsheva later expressed remorse and asked for forgiveness, indicating a prior friendship with the victim's mother. During police interrogation, she initially denied any wrongdoing until detectives revealed photographic evidence.

Akinsheva's defense included blaming the incident on her troubled marriage. In court, she pleaded not guilty, and the judge set her bail at $50,000. This case raises serious concerns about the oversight of caregivers for vulnerable individuals.