Officer Arrested in Douglasville Sexual Exploitation Case

Douglas County Courthouse

Douglasville, Ga. - According to reports out of Douglasville, a Douglas County officer who was employed as a part time bailiff has been arrested as well as fired by the department.

The officer has been charged with sexual battery as well as exploitation of a disabled adult. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office has not released any more information at this time.

As a Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer, I will outline the law behind the crime of exploitation of a disabled adult in today's post.

Exploitation of a Disabled Adult in Georgia

Exploitation of an Elder or Disabled Person in Georgia is defined by Georgia Law in O.C.G.A. §16-5-101 as:

A guardian or other person supervising the welfare of or having immediate charge, control, or custody of a disabled adult, elder person, or resident commits the offense of neglect to a disabled adult, elder person, or resident when the person willfully deprives them of health care, shelter, or necessary sustenance to the extent that the health or well-being of such person is jeopardized.

To be found guilty of neglect to a disabled adult, elder person, or resident in Georgia, the State must prove that the accused is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This involves showing that the person willfully deprived the victim of either health care, shelter, or necessary sustenance so much that their health or well-being was affected.

A conviction for this crime in Georgia carries the consequences of a felony conviction with the penalty being up to 20 years in prison and a fine of no more than $50,000.00 or both prison and a fine.

Practice Note

If you or a loved one has been arrested in the state of Georgia, call our offices today.