Three people allege they were sexually abused as children at the Children's Home of Poughkeepsie over the years.

The Children's Home of Poughkeepsie has been working to help children for more than 150 years. The nonprofit is now facing three lawsuits against employees who allegedly sexually abused children under their care.

One person alleges that from 2004 to 2008, when he was 12 to 16 years old, Helen Fahy groomed and repeatedly sexually assaulted him.

Another person alleges that when she was 14 in the early 2000s, Tarrell Heard raped and sexually assaulted her many times.


The third suit alleges "Big" Bob Buford sexually abused him as a child back in the 1980s.

Fahy is now a registered sex offender after being arrested a few years ago for having sex with a teen.



Heard was arrested last year for endangering the welfare of a child at a different agency.



The law firm representing the three say more victims may be out there and encourage others to come forward.

The New York State Office for Children and Family Services is the entity that investigates any allegations of abuse. Dutchess County will work with OCFS as this claim is investigated.

News 12 reached out to the organization, which released this statement: "The Children's Home is not commenting on any ongoing litigation matters. The allegations that have been presently raised against the Children's Home are strongly disputed. Further, the Children's Home complies with all state mandates and regulations."