Bus driver accused of fondling vulnerable adult

RICHLAND COUNTY, SC (WIS) - The driver for an adult day care facility has been charged with several counts, accused of fondling a physically disabled woman.

Richland County sheriff's deputies arrested 55-year-old Thomas Stone on charges of abuse of  a vulnerable adult, assault and battery and kidnapping. He was taken to Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.

Sgt. Curtis Wilson says Richland County deputies were contacted by investigators with the Lexington County Sheriff's Department regarding the case. Investigators determined the alleged incident occurred in Richland County.

Stone was arrested Monday.

Investigators say Stone was a driver for Helping Hands Adult Day Care facility and took advantage of a physically disabled 30-year-old woman by fondling and assaulting her and holding her against her will. Sheriff Leon Lott says the incident occurred while Stone was transporting the victim.

"That's exactly why it's an unfortunate situation that took place, when someone was entrusted with caring for a vulnerable adult and took advantage of that situation, it's those types of crimes that really touch the heart and of course makes the Richland County Sheriff's Department investigators truly go after those suspects that commit such crimes," said Wilson.

Although Healing Hands Adult Day Care would not confirm Stone's current employment status, the company released this statement:

"Helping Hands has cooperated with the victim's family from the first moment the incident was reported.  The victim's family and this company worked as a team to bring the investigation to this point and will continue to cooperate with law enforcement as needed."

Lott says investigators are looking for anyone else who may have been a victim of Stone. If you have information regarding other possible cases, call Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.

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