Former home health aide sentenced to probation for sexually assaulting Pittsburgh client

A Pittsburgh woman took a deep breath from her motorized wheelchair as she prepared to describe the aftermath of a sexual assault last year by her home health aide.

“I used to be a vibrant, outgoing person,” the victim told the court Wednesday. “I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy.”

The victim first met Vanessa Callender when the nurse was placed in her home by Bright Star Care of Southwestern Pennsylvania, based in Castle Shannon, to help care for her. Callender arrived at the woman's apartment that evening to help her get ready for bed. That's when, the victim said, Callender sexually assaulted her.

Callender pleaded guilty in March to institutional sexual assault of the victim, whose physical disabilities left her unable to walk and required in-home care 16 hours a day.

On Wednesday, Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Elliot Howsie sentenced Callender, 31, of Dormont, to four years of probation and 120 days of electronic monitoring. His probation will require special restrictions for sex offenders, as well as treatment for mental health or sexual issues.

Rachel Crosby, Callender's attorney, asked for rehabilitation rather than incarceration, noting Callender's intellectual disability.

Callender lives with his father and is his primary caregiver.

Callender has no history of criminal conduct and, prior to the assault, he was in constant employment, according to Crosby.

“She's very vulnerable and very impressionable,” Crosby said as Callender dabbed his eyes with a tissue. “She does this because she thinks she pleases people.”

Crosby said Callender believed she was helping the victim.

The judge said he didn't see how “of all the things” Callender could have done to help the victim, she made the decision to harm him.

TribLive does not name victims of sexual assault.

As part of the plea deal, the prosecution agreed not to recommend a prison sentence.

Callender is currently in therapy to help treat his post-traumatic stress disorder and sex addiction, Crosby said.

Callender is remorseful, his lawyer continued. Crosby said she doesn't believe her client is a predator.

“It doesn’t seem like that’s the case,” Howsie said, seemingly frustrated by Crosby’s statement.

Callender admitted he needed help. She took short breaks to compose herself during her statement.

“I apologize for my actions. I know it was wrong,” Callender said. “That’s just not the case, that’s not me.”

While considering Callender's past, the judge called his actions “destructive.”

“It’s concerning. It’s worrying,” Howsie said.

The victim remained calm during her statement, but said she wanted the court to know how emotionally scarred this action had been.

“I don’t feel safe… around people, even with my family,” she said.