Former group worker sentenced 6.5 years of prison time for sexual abuse

Brent Gabona, a former caregiver, has been handed a 6.5-year prison term for sexually assaulting five individuals under his care at Shepherd's Villa, a group home for adults with intellectual disabilities in Hepburn, Sask. The offenses date back over 20 years, spanning Gabona’s employment from 1992 to 2009.

According to a CBC report, Gabona targeted individuals who were non-verbal, understanding their inability to report the abuse. Justice Bruce Bauer, during the sentencing, emphasized the vulnerability of the victims who were entitled to safety and security in their home environment.

Crown prosecutor Lana Morelli advocated for a 15-year sentence, citing the significant and lasting impact of Gabona’s actions. However, Gabona’s defence, led by Jordan Durant, argued for a lesser term, highlighting Gabona’s perceived low risk of reoffending and the support from his community and family.

Justice Bauer arrived at a sentence of 6.5 years, equivalent to 112 months, considering the principle of totality in consecutive sentences, ensuring fairness and proportionality in the length of incarceration.

Rick Boguski, whose brother Darryl was one of Gabona’s victims, expressed hope that Gabona, now incarcerated, would comprehend the anguish of his victims’ inability to escape. Darryl, born blind and with severe disabilities, attended the sentencing virtually alongside his brother, noting the gravity of Gabona’s actions.

History of abuse and troubling records

The report revealed Gabona’s employment history includes troubling oversights, with his hiring occurring despite a prior sexual offense against a minor. His tenure at Shepherd’s Villa involved direct care for individuals with severe disabilities, fostering a position of trust that he egregiously violated.

Gabona’s admission to police in 2022 unveiled a pattern of abuse spanning multiple victims and instances. Justice Bauer acknowledged Gabona’s remorse and guilty plea but noted the profound harm inflicted upon the victims, compounded by Gabona’s deliberate concealment of his actions.

However, concerns persist regarding the adequacy of Gabona’s sentence, with some, like the Boguski and Hawkins families, highlighting systemic flaws and advocating for comprehensive investigations into additional victims.

“It's a problem because Gabona is manipulative and a liar. He built a career being deceptive and a violent sex offender. Are we to accept that a man who by his own accounts underplayed his crimes is telling the truth? A twice convicted sex offender with multiple victims?” Rick Boguski told CBC.

The Hawkins family, in particular, seeks justice for Derek, who they believe was also a victim of Gabona’s abuse.

While Gabona faces legal consequences for his admitted crimes, the pursuit of justice remains ongoing for those impacted by his reprehensible actions.

Gabona’s victims were discharged from Shepherd’s Villa because of “behavioural” issues.

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