Wake Forest, N.C. — The arrest of an employee this week at a Wake Forest rest home surprised residents and staff.

“To tell you the truth, I can't see that. I just can't see that happening,” said Al Critcher, a resident of Wake Forest Care Center.

Police arrested Michael Lee Brodie, 42, Monday charging him with sexual assault on a resident who was “physically helpless.” Court documents say the alleged assault happened in late February.

Brodie was a certified nursing assistant at the center, at 306 S. Allen Road in Wake Forest. He had been employed there for about a year, police said.

"I love my residents,” said Terri Allen, director of the facility. “They are my main concern. They are who I am there for."

Allen said a resident came forward to tell her about the assault. She said she immediately called authorities and terminated Brodie. He was being held at Wake County jail Thursday on $75,000 bond.

Allen said the victim is getting help. “The therapist sees her. The psychiatrist sees her. The doctor sees her,” she said.

Allen would not say exactly what Brodie is accused of doing, only that it was very inappropriate.