.
Feedback

Long Beach Assemblyman Alleges Abuse of His Son

A state assemblyman is accusing a Brookville-based agency serving the special needs community with abusing his son at its residence in Plainview.

Harvey Weisenberg, D-Long Beach, and his wife, Ellen, filed a federal lawsuit Monday against AHRC Nassau, an agency which serves developmentally disabled people in residential settings around Long Island.

In the lawsuit, the Weisenbergs allege that their son was physically and psychologically abused at the agency's Plainview living facility. Weisenberg told Newsday:
"The thought of someone hurting him is almost unspeakably painful to us," of his son Ricky, 54. "We will continue to speak out on his behalf."
AHRC Nassau issued a statement Monday about the Weisenbergs' lawsuit: "We are disappointed that our longtime friend would choose to name us in a lawsuit of this nature," the statement said.

The elder Weisenberg is among the legislature's leading advocates for the disabled. Weisenberg grew up in Long Beach and was a teacher and police officer before entering public office. He and his wife have five children.

The lawsuit, filed in federal district court in Brooklyn, also makes allegations against Dwayne Edwards of West Hempstead. Edwards, an employee at the Plainview site at the time, verbally abused and hit Ricky Weisenberg in the presence of others, the suit contends.

The incident took place three years ago, on April 9, 2009, the suit claims. The suit asks for unspecified damages.

Ricky Weisenberg, 54, suffers from cerebral palsy and can't speak. He still lives at the Plainview facility, the elder Weisenberg said. AHRC Nassau assists the developmentally disabled with housing and other services.

Weisenberg told Newsday that he learned of the abuse charge from AHRC Nassau officials in 2009. The agency was complying with legislation authored by Weisenberg in 2007, requiring that guardians be notified when allegations of abuse surface. Newsday said Weisenberg filed the lawsuit three years afterward because "we thought the authorities we went to would do something, but they didn't."

According to AHRC Nassau's statement "the employee was immediately relieved of his duties. An investigation was opened by an independent, internal unit of AHRC Nassau and all parties were notified that day."

The investigation took one day and resulted in the firing of the employee, the statement said.

With reporting by Joe Dowd

Taurus October 3, 2012 at 03:22 pm
How exactly has Harvey Weisenberg ruined Long Beach. This is a serious question...forget about the hunting accident and the rest of the BS here..how has he ruined Long Beach?
TheGreek October 3, 2012 at 03:52 pm
According to the Long Island Press, Edwards now works as a caregiver at the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County.
http://www.longislandpress.com/2012/10/01/pol-sues-ahrc-alleging-disabled-son-was-abused/
paul.d.spellman October 3, 2012 at 07:54 pm
How exactly has Harvey helped Long Beach?
Taurus October 3, 2012 at 09:31 pm
Is this a witch hunt? Harvey's son (adopted son) was abused at a group home..you people are certifiable.
Taurus October 3, 2012 at 09:34 pm
paul.d.spellman: Weren't you taught never to answer a question with a question...guess you can't answer my question.
Marc Rosen October 4, 2012 at 04:51 am
There's the problem. There's no accountability. "Oh, I got fired for abuse, so I'll go work for this other group home and do the same thing all over again!"
Marc Rosen October 4, 2012 at 04:53 am
By the way, this is why we need to fully integrate the standards required by the Olmstead decision of 1999, and get disabled people OUT of group homes and back into the community, WITH SUPPORTS. We won't be TAKING AHRC's jobs, but we WILL change WHAT THEY DO ON THE JOB.
paul.d.spellman October 4, 2012 at 08:15 am
Taurus,
I was not answering a question, I was asking a question. Which I will ask again, how exactly has Harvey helped Long Beach? And it might do you good to follow your own posts regarding answer questions with questions.
Taurus October 4, 2012 at 08:20 am
I asked the question..don't say you didn't see it. I asked: How exactly has Harvey Weisenberg ruined Long Beach.
You: How exactly has Harvey helped Long Beach. If that's not answering a question with a question....................!! Too busy for a p - contest. I'm done. Bunch of whiners !
paul.d.spellman October 4, 2012 at 08:29 am
Taurus,
I was not responding to you, I was simply asking a valid question. It was listed in the comments underneath yours but not in response to yours. The better patch from a few weeks ago allowed you to reply to a comment, this new format does not.
Taurus October 4, 2012 at 08:51 am
I hope that Harvey and Ellen's son is in a safe environment and being well taken care of. I wish the family well.
Have a great day everyone.
Stanley Borensohn October 4, 2012 at 02:00 pm
If paul.d.spellman won't answer I will. Harvey destroyed LB by purposely preventing the unions from taking over. Every union employee is shamelessly overpaid, and he stood by to let the city get roped into union contracts that can never be rolled back. He did nothing to fix the state pension system, which would have at least served as a retroactive control on union employee pension costs. He stood by and let Albany rip off LB residents by shortchanging them god knows how much in school funding fromthe state, and didn't seem to care that our money was being sent everywhere in the state but where it rightfully belonged. So now we're up to our eyeballs in taxes, and a union contract and pension system that is designed to bleed us dry. Harvey also makes a mockery of us all by leading the way in shameless pension abuse. Harvey always insists that his double pension is legal. It sure is because he wrote the law that makes it legal for him. The same law makes it illegal for everyone else. He also insists he did it for his wife and ricky, that it's his obligation to support his family. The gall of this excuse is maddening. He can steal to support his family, but the people he hurts in the process don't have that same right? Also, Ricky lives in a Medicaid funded residence. He doesn't need harvey's dirty money to survive. Harvey is destroying LB by forcing his Alice in Wonderland logic on us, and assuming we're all idiots. Thanks a lot Harvey. No one fight harder than you, for you.
Taurus October 4, 2012 at 02:12 pm
Difficult to ignore this one. Why didn't someone step up years ago and do something assuming all of this is true and not heresay and has truly hurt the residents and - some of it perhaps illegal?
Mr Weisenberg is re-elected every election...why then?
paul.d.spellman October 4, 2012 at 02:18 pm
Stanley...
Please follow along, I was not asked a question. I was the one asking the question.
Taurus October 4, 2012 at 02:25 pm
Much of what I read is new to me.
OK PDS..you asked a question-you were not asked to respond...let it go. Why hasn't someone, anyone--- taken any of these 'allegations' a step further if they feel they've been wronged (monitarily or otherwise?).
Eddie October 4, 2012 at 02:41 pm
You really have to be kidding, Taurus.
Why did the voters elect Democrats to the Long Beach City Council when last time they were in office they raised taxes 25% and then said it was a mistake? Why? So they could raise them 50% this time! You may not have noticed -- since non-property-owners were given the vote, the electorate usually elects the boob who promises them the most stuff. Here's just one more example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpAOwJvTOio
paul.d.spellman October 4, 2012 at 02:42 pm
Taurus,
It is very simple, please follow along, I will type slow. I asked a question, you gave a comment to which I responded to. Unable to formulate a rational response you resorted to name calling. Stanley then posted a comment referring to me and I explained the situation to him. Is that clear enough for you to understand?
Taurus October 4, 2012 at 02:47 pm
This is for 'Eddie': That disgraceful youtube is all over the internet. It is, if YOU did YOUR homework, RepuGnican generated and false. If YOU did YOUR homework and took just a few minutes to search-you would see that it's bogus. The reality is that free cell phones were given to low income families under the Bush Administration.
As far as your opening statement 'are you kidding...' I have not been a resident of LB for decades-so in those years I had no political leanings nor did I know the politics of LB. How about: "You are entitled to your own opinions. You are not entitled to your own facts" Daniel Patrick Moynihan
Eddie October 4, 2012 at 02:53 pm
You asked a question Taurus, and I answered it.
I supplied facts. Now you state that you don't know much because you haven't lived in Long Beach for long. But you know enough to ask questions and then call those who answer you names when the answers don't coincide with your liberal agenda. Why was Weisenberg reelected? Look in the mirror.
Taurus October 4, 2012 at 03:01 pm
Take responsibility for putting that link up-that bogus link that had nothing to do with the President..not this President, anyway. People like me?-who's name calling? I can only assume that was a negative comment.
And it must be 'people like you' who follow the Right's agenda...if you look in the mirror-you might not see a reflection. aka pau.d.spellman: You can type slow-you most certainly think slow-LET IT GO.
Anomous October 4, 2012 at 03:08 pm
Taurus, just for your information Harvey is a very powerfull man. When he thought that some one might look into his actions he destroyed them. When Harvey is defending his income casualitits are no problem. Harvey was not originally elected to the Assembly. Mr. Kramer was elected and then resigned allowing Harvey to be appointed to the position. The district was then redistricted so that Harvey could win the next election. If you have any questions of the facts posted ask Harvey.
paul.d.spellman October 4, 2012 at 03:08 pm
Taurus,
"aka pau.d.spellman:" what does that mean? "Who's name calling"? you are, when you were unable to respond in any fashion, you have a need to resort to name calling, because that appears to be the best you can offer.
Taurus October 4, 2012 at 03:33 pm
It means that I answered two of you in one comment. and now I'll sign off after responding to 'Anomous'. Harvey destroys people that don't agree with him or might look into his personal/political/business life? Seriously- Drama !
paul.d.spellman October 4, 2012 at 03:39 pm
Taurus,
It means what? Who told you it means that?
Taurus October 4, 2012 at 03:47 pm
I've only responded to someone here that said he can destroy people..sounds like a made for TV movie. You were sarcastic said you'd type slow so I could understand. You all sound paranoid to me.
I am going to end my comments on this article right now. Perhaps whoever said Mr W can destroy people that look into his life (or something similar) is paranoid. I am done here. You all complain about taxes; you blame everyone under the sun, you blame the party in power now-it's all too familiar. GET INVOLVED INSTEAD OF WHINING.
paul.d.spellman October 4, 2012 at 03:52 pm
Taurus,
I was not being sarcastic, I actually did type slow to help you understand what I was writing. Once again what did "aka pau.d.spellman:" mean? Something you made up?
Taurus October 4, 2012 at 04:00 pm
You typed slow so that I'd understand better? Oh boy. I meant nothing by the aka-just thinking that perhaps that isn't your name and please let me state very clearly; I don't care what your name is. You are sounding very paranoid. Now, if you don't understand ME and I'm not typing slow which is laughable-I am done here. If I continue to get comments regarding aka I will unsubscribe to this Patch-filling up my inbox.
Taurus October 4, 2012 at 04:02 pm
I think you don't know what aka means 'also known as'. Now, put it to rest. Let it go. Have a nice life.
paul.d.spellman October 4, 2012 at 04:14 pm
Taurus,
You said "Too busy for a p - contest. I'm done." and posted again then posted " I am done here" and posted yet again and once again posted "-I am done here" and had another post.
jack sherry December 22, 2012 at 07:55 pm
Ahrc has a poor record of vettng It employees. In new York a manage by the name of curls walker has been sexually abusing downs individuals and embezzlement of ssi checks for 7 solid years. And he got 2 promotions. Go figure.

Newsletter & Alerts

Get the best stories each day and important breaking news

Subscribe

Not from Long Beach Patch? Find your Local Patch »

Note Article
Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
BSM June 19, 2013 at 01:39 pm
While I agree there seem to be problems in the LB school district, I'm not sure this takes intoRead More account the financial reasons for opting for NCCC. For many families finances, not academic performance dictates the college. I think a more meaningful number would be the percentage of graduating seniors attending ANY college.
Richard Horn June 19, 2013 at 04:01 pm
The smart thing is going to NCC for two years and then transferring to a 4 yr school.. If they can'tRead More cut it at NCC, the parents save a ton of money. NCC is a pretty fine 2 yr school. You get out of it what you put in.
Fred Weintroub June 19, 2013 at 10:45 am
That STUPID Trapeze thing and the fence around it on the lot adjacent to the Boardwalk is going toRead More cost us Volley Ball players and Beach goers about 30 to 40 parking spaces. Whoever thought this thing up should get their Heads
Charlie Cheswick June 19, 2013 at 12:06 pm
Jimmy Two-Times here, going to get the papers, get the papers...
js June 19, 2013 at 12:18 pm
I SAW A SUV WITH ADVERTISING ON IT FOR A TRAPEZE IN LB--I WAS WHERE IT WAS--
awesome June 19, 2013 at 09:19 am
just when i thought i had seen it all
Penny Riordan June 19, 2013 at 10:51 am
Hi Nicholas. Thanks for using the boards. Your post may work better as a blog, where you can addRead More photos and have a headline. From the homepage, click the 'start blogging' button in green about halfway down. Fill in the fields and then your blog will appear on the homepage. Let me know if you have any questions: penny.riordan@patch.com. Thanks!
AEA President June 18, 2013 at 04:46 pm
yes - by sheer coincidence, their employees work more overtime than ever before in their last 3Read More years of employment before retirement (as it so happens, their pension is based in part on their last 3 years of employment).
Jack Kett June 18, 2013 at 07:41 pm
Bottom line re: LIRR is that people in suburbs who ride LIRR and Metro North are paying to subsidizeRead More the bankrupt NYC Subways and subsidize minority riders in the outer boros. Its the price we pay to not live in NYC. The subways charges a cheap fixed fare to subsidize low income NYC residents. Its a form of socialism.
Joe June 18, 2013 at 08:19 pm
Jack, racist much? Why don't you go have a tea party with the rest of the little Republican girls?
Eddie June 18, 2013 at 02:55 pm
Great photos, Richard. With joists like those, you could drive a firetruck up that thing!
Lobster June 19, 2013 at 07:38 am
The first one at LB Road, the second at National? or that's got to be one big ramp from LB Road toRead More National. Anyone proof read anymore ?
richard skinner June 19, 2013 at 03:33 pm
it's first one at long beach road
Eddie June 18, 2013 at 08:24 am
Sink hole repaired by the City by 6 PM. Great job by great guys.
Eddie June 16, 2013 at 09:53 pm
Because the Democrats fired all the engineers in City government and replaced them with politicalRead More friends.
Eugene Torres June 17, 2013 at 07:57 am
Heron St is like a bombed out war zone. Many of the residents drive the wrong way to avoid theRead More potholes at the beginning of the street.
AEA President June 18, 2013 at 06:45 am
Solomon why hast thou forsakeneth?
TJM June 18, 2013 at 12:56 pm
I'm glad I live in the Town of Hempstead No new taxes in Four years. The streets are clean and theRead More storm drains work. I had aead tree replaced for $170.00 byb the town. Read and weep Long Beac
Charlie Cheswick June 18, 2013 at 03:13 pm
"Working" storm drains like the one between Regent & Greenway on Lido Blvd?
jacqueline gay June 16, 2013 at 08:06 pm
Thank you for your comments... still looking
Dr. Sidney A. Stiebel June 18, 2013 at 07:40 pm
Paninis & Bikinis may still be hiring.
jacqueline gay June 18, 2013 at 09:18 pm
Thank you Dr Steibel
Susie Pennachio June 15, 2013 at 09:13 am
yeeeepppp i always see people trying to get thru it or go around it to get onto the beach
Jaime Sumersille (Editor) June 15, 2013 at 12:44 pm
Thanks for the notice, Ally! I posted this on Facebook to make people aware! - Jaime Sumersille,Read More Regional Editor, Nassau County
RackEmUp Gomez June 14, 2013 at 03:55 pm
Those murderers from Boston were students, right? How about importing some kids from Brooklyn thatRead More need help? Lets stop being patsys.
Eddie June 14, 2013 at 07:55 pm
More Patch Spam. Look up any charity on GuideStar and see their tax return. Then you can decide ifRead More you want to support their executives with your contributions.