Former Western State employee accused of fondling patients is arraigned

A Western State Hospital worker accused of inappropriately touching patients was arraigned Thursday.

Christopher Conley, 48, is charged with four counts of indecent liberties for allegedly fondling women at the inpatient psychiatric facility in Lakewood.

Conley pleaded not guilty at arraignment, and retired Superior Court Judge Thomas Felnagle, filling in on a temporary basis, ordered that Conley can remain free without bail pending trial.

Part of that arrangement is that he must not have contact with vulnerable adults.

A message left for Conley’s attorney was not returned Thursday.

According to charging papers:

Conley fondled patients in a TV room, linen closet and on a patio at Western State in April and May. The hospital learned about the allegations in May, and police investigated.

He worked as a psychiatric security attendant at the hospital, and has since resigned.

This story was originally published December 15, 2016 at 2:49 PM with the headline "Former Western State employee accused of fondling patients is arraigned."