A St. Cloud senior facility resident was repeatedly sexually assaulted by a caregiver, according to charges.

Jesus Manzanilla Alvarado, 23, of Big Lake, Minn., was charged Monday in Sherburne County District Court with sexual abuse by a caregiver and mistreatment of a resident or patient in connection with numerous assaults over several weeks of a 68-year-old woman living at St. Benedict's Senior Community.

Wendy Jerde, spokeswoman for St. Cloud-based CentraCare Health, which operates St. Benedict's, said the center conducted an investigation and Manzanilla Alvarado admitted to "inappropriate behavior" and was fired immediately.

The center contacted law enforcement and notified the state Health Department about its findings, Jerde said.

"We believe this was an isolated situation," Jerde said. "The care and safety of our residents is our most important responsibility, and we are deeply sorry this occurred. We are in the process of communicating with all our residents and their families regarding the matter."

According to the criminal complaint:

St. Benedict's staff told police on Friday that Manzanilla Alvarado was spending a substantial amount of time with the patient and admitted to police that he digitally penetrated her.

He said he had been sexually touching the woman for the past two weeks, and the contact "escalated during the second week."

The patient, who suffers from depression and anxiety, confirmed that Manzanilla Alvarado had been sexually touching her in her room.

Manzanilla Alvarado's criminal history in Minnesota includes three convictions for drug possession and one for disorderly conduct.

Along with operating St. Benedict's center, CentraCare Health also owns St. Cloud Hospital and other health facilities in the region.

Manzanilla Alvarado was released from custody on his own recognizance. Contact information for him was not immediately located, and court records do not list a defense attorney.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482