At-risk adults found abused, neglected at bedbug-infested 'care home', cops say
A Georgia man who law enforcement said ran an unlicensed care facility has been arrested after two dozen at-risk adults were found abused and neglected - many with untreated infections and who required hospitalization after leaving the bed-bug ridden home.
Gabriel Robinson was charged in connection to the abuse and neglect of 16 at-risk adults after "deplorable conditions" were discovered at the personal care home they live in earlier this month, Clayton County Police Department reported Wednesday.
Robinson's arrest came during a wellness check by the Department of Community Health in cooperation with Adult Protective Services, Clayton County EMS, and Code Enforcement, police wrote in a news release.
The home is in Jonesboro, about 15 miles south of Atlanta.
"Recent inspections by Code Enforcement had already cited Robinson for operating a business without a license, but there had not been sufficient grounds to condemn the property," police said.
Clayton County Magistrate Court records show Robinson faces charges including felony exploitation of the elderly.
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Bedbug infestation, untreated infections found in unlicensed Georgia care home
On the day of the arrest, police said, the Department of Community Health discovered 16 men living under Robinson’s care, "all of whom were either senior citizens or individuals with diminished capacity and mental health issues."
The inspection found the property was an unlicensed personal care home where Robinson "was preparing food, dispensing medications, and providing lodging."
Adult Protective Services responded the scene police said, and relocated the residents to appropriate care facilities.
A search warrant for the property revealed deplorable living conditions, including a severe bedbug infestation, untreated infections, and residents with needs beyond the capabilities of a personal care home.
Some residents at unlicensed care home 'required hospitalization'
Robinson was arrested at the scene, police said, and the victims received "immediate medical treatment."
"Several residents required hospitalization, while others were placed in legitimate care facilities," police wrote.
Additional charges are pending in the case, according to police.
Court and jail records show Robsinson was freed from jail Thursday after posting a $6,000 bond.
Robinson is represented by the Clayton County Public Defender's Office, court records show. USA TODAY has reached out to his attorney.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Clayton County police.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.