Physical Therapist Charged With Sexually Assaulting 97 Year Old Man

A physical therapist employed by St. Luke's Visiting Nurse Association has been charged with sexually assaulting a 97 year old Hanover Township. Arnee Rubi, age 42, of McNair Circle in Northampton, was charged on Wednesday with two counts of indecent assault after having been caught in the act by the victim's granddaughter during a home visit on May 21. Rubi had previously visited the victim on at least three occasions.

Colonial Regional Police Detective Gary Hammer interviewed Rubi the next day, and he admitted to two instances in which he sexually abused the male victim.

The assault occurred in Hanover Township.

Calling this a "very serious matter," DA John Morganelli said that the victim's advanced age made him vulnerable and incapable of consent.

Rubi, who has no prior criminal record, had been employed by St.Luke's for the past five years. He has been a licensed physical therapist since 2005, with no disciplinary actions. Morganelli is concerned there may be other victims. He asked anyone with information to contact Assistant District Attorney Laura Majewski at 610-829-6685 or County Detective Robert Watts at 610-829-6670.

Laura Majewski

Indecent assault is a first degree misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of five years in jail and a $10,000 fine.

Rubi was preliminarily arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Vivian Zumas. She set bail at $50,000,and Rubi was incarcerated because he was unable to post bail. He was also required to surrender his passport. Rubi has been a naturalized citizen since 2013, but is originally from the Philippines.

According to statistics gathered by the Pa. Coalition Against Rape, about 80% of those who sexually abuse the elderly are their own caregivers. Women are six times more likely than men to be victims.

Morganelli has assigned prosecution to Assistant District Attorney Laura Majewski, a Bethlehem Catholic High School grad who has handled several high-profile sexual offenses.