VALDOSTA, Ga. (WTXL)- A caretaker was arrested in Valdosta for the abuse of disabled patients.
Ariel Robinson, 24, was arrested on Thursday.
On Feb. 16, The Valdosta Police Department responded to the Parkwood Development Center, a care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities, about a possible assault against one of their patients.
When they arrived, officers spoke with the Director of the Parkwood Facility. The Director said that she immediately launched an internal investigation after being informed of the allegations.
VPD continued investigating the incident with the assistance of the Director. They say the investigation revealed that Robinson had been observed by other caretakers/employees of the facility abusing residents.
On Thursday, VPD issued four arrest warrants for Robinson. Robinson was taken into custody the same day and was transported to the Lowndes County Jail.
Robinson now faces two counts of abuse of a disabled adult and two counts of simple battery.
“The assistance of The Georgia Advocacy Office, Adult Protective Services, Healthcare Facility Regulations, Department of Community Health, Georgia Advocacy and the Department of Family and Children Services was greatly appreciated in this case along with the hard work of VPD detectives," said Lieutenant Adam Bembry. "The cooperation and commitment of the Parkwood Developmental Center in the investigation sends a clear message that any mistreatment of our vulnerable brothers and sister will not be tolerated on any level.”
