Three disability staff charged with abuse of vulnerable adult

Tim Smith
The Greenville News

COLUMBIA - Three former employees of the Williamsburg County Disabilities and Special Needs Board have been charged with abuse of a vulnerable adult.

They were charged last week by the Kingstree Police Department after a three-month investigation assisted by the State Law Enforcement Division.

Eric Thurston Williams of Kingstree, Deonce Jorrel Beaufort of Lane and Doris Green of Andrews were charged in connection with the case, according to arrest warrants.

Green also was charged with obstruction of an investigation for allegedly withholding information from police on the case and her involvement, according to the warrants.

None of the three could be reached for comment.

The Williamsburg County Disabilities and Special Needs Board contracts with the state Department of Disabilities and Special Needs to provide an array of services to people with intellectual disabilities, autism, brain and spinal cord injuries.

The executive director for the Williamsburg County agency could not be reached for comment.

"DDSN has zero tolerance for abuse, neglect or exploitation of people with disabilities," Beverly Buscemi, executive director of DDSN, said in a statement. "This event was reported by Williamsburg DSN Board staff to SLED."

She said the employees determined by law enforcement to be involved were terminated in accordance with DDSN policy.

According to the warrants, on Aug. 4, Beaufort struck the victim in the head and face area with a closed fist, causing "bleeding, lacerations, swelling, bruising and a black eye that required medical treatment."

Williams and Green were accused in the warrants of being present during the alleged attack and failing to act to intervene.

According to DDSN records, there were three arrests in the DDSN system from July through September, the latest reporting period available, on charges of abuse, neglect or exploitation.

Buscemi said her agency will work closely with the Williamsburg DSN Board leadership and staff to improve employee training, prevention and reporting of possible abuse, neglect and exploitation.

"All risk management procedures will be reviewed to ensure that all individuals receiving services are treated with dignity and respect," she said. "DDSN’s policy is 'when in doubt, report.'  The health and safety of individuals remains DDSN’s highest priority."