Department of Mental Health Client Placed at Hotel Accused of Sexually Assaulting Maid: Police

A Connecticut Mental Health client placed at the Best Western Hotel in West Haven was arrested and charged with sexual assault after he was accused of groping a maid, choking her and putting his hand over her mouth to quiet her screams, according to police. 

Police responded to The Best Western Hotel at 490 Sawmill Road just after noon on Monday and the hotel staff member told police a guest assaulted her. 

Police said 22-year-old Paul Stephen Lake, of New Haven, asked the maid to clean his room, then came up from behind as she was cleaning, held her and grabbed her breasts. 

As the woman struggled with him, Lake continued to grope and grab her, then put his hands around her neck, choking her to the point where she was light-headed and dizzy, according to the incident report.

When she tried to struggle again, Lake threw her into the closet, held her down, continued to choke her and covered her mouth to try and quiet her screams, according to police. 

The victim was able to get free, screamed and ran from the room, police said, and Lake locked himself in his hotel room. 

Officers found Lake in his room and the victim identified him. 

When police spoke with Lake, he said he was in the shower and heard someone screaming, according to the incident report.  

The public defender representing Lake said he has been a ward of the state for many years, has cognitive difficulties, is on many medications and has lived in a group home.

According to the police report, Lake is a client of Connecticut Mental Health and Marrakech, which provides services for clients of the department of mental health, placed him at the hotel on Oct. 14.

When police reached out to Marrakech, they said Lake is under the care of the state department of mental health and she would contact them .   

Lake was charged with unlawful restraint, third-degree sexual assault, strangulation, third-degree assault and disorderly conduct. 

He has no criminal convictions, but was charged with assault in Maine, officials said.

He was held on bond and the victim was transported to an area hospital to be treated for minor injuries.

It's not clear if he has an attorney.

Contact Us