Regan was convicted of torturing and physically and sexually abusing a 29 year old mentally disabled woman. The abuse continued over a two month period while the victim was living in Regan's home. At times, but not always, the victim was kept in chains to prevent her from escaping. She finally ran away one day when Regan left her alone unchained so that she could clean the house.

A physician who examined the victim concluded that her behavioral problems and her small head size indicated that she had FAS, as well as below average intelligence and emotional immaturity. He concluded that these problems "may have caused her to have an unrealistic estimation of the difficulties escaping from [Regan's] home presented." (209 F. Supp. 2d at 707).