Barberis pleads not guilty to deviate sexual assault in Chaffee nursing home

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- A Cape Girardeau man pleaded not guilty Thursday to a charge of deviate sexual assault in connection with what a staff member described as "inappropriate" behavior at a Chaffee nursing home.

David Barberis was arrested Feb. 21 after the Chaffee Nursing Center contacted the Scott County Sheriff's Department, Sheriff Rick Walter stated in a news release at the time.

Walter stated someone from the nursing home had contacted his office Feb. 20 and reported Barberis had acted inappropriately while visiting female residents.

The sheriff's department reported Barberis travels to nursing homes to play music for residents.

Nursing home staff became suspicious when Barberis entered the rooms of female residents and closed the door behind him, and a staff member said he was caught acting "inappropriately" with a female resident, Walter reported.

Barberis was arrested at the sheriff's department when he came in to talk to an investigator about the case.

Bond was set at $10,000, with the stipulation that Barberis have no contact with victims or with Chaffee Nursing Center.

Court records show Barberis posted surety bond Feb. 22.

At a hearing March 26, Barberis waived formal arraignment, and cause was set for a preliminary hearing, court records show.

His next court appearance is scheduled for July 11.

epriddy@semissourian.com

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Pertinent address:

Highway 77 North, Chaffee, MO