Police have arrested a man accused of pretending to have Down's syndrome and tricking care workers into bathing him and changing his nappies.

Paul Anthony Menchaca, 31, from Arizona, is facing fraud and sex abuse charges after allegedly posing as a woman online and searching for female caregivers online to help look after her son with Down's syndrome.

Three women were hired and were given duties, including changing and bathing him, believing he was mentally disabled and reliant on their care.

Paul Anthony Menchaca. Credit: Maricopa County Sheriff's Office

Advert

According to authorities, the fictional 'Amy' also requested that the women 'punish' Menchaca when he soiled his nappy by taking away his privileges and putting him in a 'timeout'.

One victim told cops she gave him 30 baths this summer and had frequently changed his nappy, before the two victims took over his caring duties. The women say the Menchaca would become 'sexually aroused' while being bathed.

In court documents, one victim said there were five 'separate incidents when [Menchaca] aggressively said his genitals were not cleaned enough'.

All women were paid in cash by the accused after they dropped him off at 'neutral locations'.

Advert

One victim told ABC 15: "He needed shower and grooming, he couldn't use the bathroom himself, he couldn't really be alone by himself. He acted like a child; his whole demeanor was childlike. He would act in tantrums, talk like a child, act like a child.

"Why would you do that? Why would you make us change you knowing you didn't have to? Why didn't you give us a choice?"

The news outlet reports that one caregiver became suspicious and followed Menchaca home and knocked on his door. His parents answered, and she was told that Menchaca didn't have Down's syndrome.

Advert

WCHM reports that all three women then confronted the man, who admitted he had been lying. They then reportedly called the police who arrested the man.

At court Commissioner Michelle Carson set a secured bail bond of $15,000 (£11,500) and told Menchaca that he can't make any contact with his alleged victims if he is released.

Adding: "You must obey the terms of any order of protection or order against harassment that's issued or may be issued in the future."

Advert