Franklin Group Home Worker Indicted After Autistic Student’s Arm Broken

According to reports in the Boston Globe and Boston.com, a Rhode Island man has been indicted on charges stemming from an incident in which an autistic student’s arm was allegedly broken at a residential program in Franklin.

Saturs Allison, 27, of Pawtucket, R.I., is charged with assault and battery on a disabled person causing serious injury in connection with the October 2025 incident. He pleaded not guilty and was released on personal recognizance. A Norfolk County grand jury returned an indictment Feb. 26, and Allison was arraigned in Norfolk Superior Court following a hearing Monday in Wrentham District Court.

According to court records and a Franklin police report, Allison was working at a group home operated by Amego Inc., an Attleboro-based provider of services for people with developmental disabilities, including autism. The Franklin residence provides learning and developmental support for children with autism.

Police say Allison was assisting a student who requires one-to-one supervision on Oct. 13, 2025, when the student began hitting a wall and then banging his head against it. After telling the student to stop, Allison allegedly grabbed the student’s arm and neck, pushed him face-first to the ground, and attempted to restrain him.

During the struggle, Allison allegedly forced the student’s arm to the floor, breaking it. The incident was reportedly captured on security video, with police noting that an “audible snapping noise” could be heard.

Staff members then took the student to Milford Hospital, where an X-ray showed his upper arm bone had been completely broken in half. The student wore a cast for weeks and continues physical therapy.

Program officials told police Allison’s actions violated company policies on de-escalation and restraint. He was immediately suspended and barred from returning pending investigation. The Department of Children and Families was also notified.

If convicted, Allison faces up to five years in prison and a $1,000 fine. His next court hearing is scheduled for April 7 in Wrentham District Court.