Also in 2012, the woman was give a state-appointed guardian because she was “unable to protect herself from abuse, exploitation, neglect or rights violation.” The woman is able to speak, but is difficult to understand.

Nancy Stauche, 24, was one of the CNAs who reported Mielke to the police, said some employees of the facility had suspicions that Mielke had an inappropriate relationship with the woman.

Stauche said she was at work on Sept. 19 when another CNA came to her and pulled her to the door of the resident’s room. She said she saw Mielke standing in front of the resident, who was seated in a recliner and leaning forward with her head by Mielke’s groin. Mielke’s back was to the doorway. When he turned around, Stauche said, he was zipping up his pants.

“He acted like nothing had happened,” Stauche said.

The second CNA told Stauche — and later told police — that she had seen a similar incident the previous day, but had been too afraid to say anything. She had pulled Stauche to the door because she wanted a second witness.