Suspected abuse leads to relocation of 18 disabled adults

THOMASVILLE, GA (WALB) - Investigators collect evidence from a Thomasville personal care home they say was the scene of shocking abuse.

Thursday, The Georgia Department of Adult Protective services is working to find new homes for 18 disabled adults who lived at Breakthrough Independent Living Center.

Facility manager Earnestine Yates remains in jail Thursday night on charges of abuse and neglect as a disturbing picture of deplorable living conditions emerges.

GBI agents, Thomasville investigators, Southwestern State employees, and other officials Thursday scoured the Cassidy Road facility for evidence, but more importantly, they rescued the residents inside.

"It's a very serious situation when you have people being abused and neglected that can't help themselves. These people are disabled. They need somebody to take care of them, protect them, like a child would need. And that is what we are here to do is rescue these people and get them to a safer environment," said GBI Agent Steve Turner.

The case began about a month ago when the Thomasville Police Department was asked to investigate a possible sexual assault at the home.

"During the Thomasville PD's investigation of the sexual assault, they saw evidence of neglect and abuse and requested the GBI come in on that investigation. And that is what brought us to the search warrant today," said Turner.

The first thing investigators did after serving the warrant this morning was arrest facility manager Earnestine Yates.

"We know people were being locked in their rooms as well as being tied up with belts. Those were the allegations, that's what we believe happened, and that is what she was arrested on," said Turner.

Investigators say Yates ran the facility, but does not own the land.

"Earnestine Yates does not own this property. She was renting this property from the House of Joy which is a church located on Walcott Street," said Turner.

Yates is in the Thomas County Jail charged with four counts of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of disabled persons, three counts of false imprisonment, as well as one count of operating a personal care home without a license.

If you have a connection with any of the 18 Breakthrough Independent residents and have questions or concerns, you're asked to call Adult Protective Services.

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