Two arrested in Hattiesburg for keeping mentally challenged adults in deplorable conditions

Published: Dec. 19, 2012 at 8:55 PM CST|Updated: Dec. 19, 2012 at 9:12 PM CST
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Goff
Goff
Powell
Powell

HATTIESBURG, MS (WDAM) - Investigators with the Mississippi Attorney General's office arrested two Hattiesburg residents Wednesday on charges of exploitation of a vulnerable adult, and the misuse of more than $21,000.

Attorney General Jim Hood announced Wednesday that Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigators arrested, Juanita J. Goff, 67, Daniel Powell, 31. The two face three counts each of exploitation of a vulnerable adult.

A Forrest County grand jury indicted Goff and Powell earlier in December.

According to officials, Goff is the owner and operator of a personal care home on 1701 and 1703 James Street.

Officials allege both Goff and Powell took social security checks worth thousands of dollars from the victims for eight months. If convicted, Goff and Powell each face 30 years in prison, as well as $30,000 in fines each.

Department of health officials relocated the residents of the personal care home to licensed facilities.

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