Elder abuse investigation

PRESS RELEASE – On June 19, 2024, deputies responded to a call where an elderly woman had been found walking on Corinth Poseyville Road near Highway 120.

Deputies met the complainant and then the victim, Deborah Morgan.

Ms. Morgan stated that she was staying with someone close by, but they barely fed her, and someone had taken her debit card from her.

Deputies found that a report had been filed recently and discovered that Ms. Morgan had a caregiver that lived in Bremen but had moved to where she was at now.

Deputies went to the house on Corinth Poseyville Road and began an investigation. Deputies discovered that Ms. Morgan was living in a garage in deplorable conditions.

Ms. Morgan had no kitchen, food, running water or real bathroom.

Ms. Morgan was sleeping on a couch, her only source to cool off was a fan close to the only door.

Sgt. Ricky Parks contacted Adult Protective Services and Investigators.

They also contacted the original caretaker who advised them they would come and get her at a neutral location.

Ms. Morgan agreed to go back there but asked for her debit card back.

Deputies asked residents where the debit card was and one of them stated that it was in Ms. Morgan’s purse.

Deputy Nicole Ivey advised that person that she had already checked the purse twice, the debit card was not there.

At that point, the debit card was given to Deputy Ivey to be returned to Ms. Morgan.

The case is still under investigation at this time so no additional information can be released.

“I appreciate the efforts of B-shift in getting this elderly person out of these horrible conditions,” states Sheriff Stacy Williams. “They went the extra mile to not only get her reunited with a previous caregiver but making sure she got all her belongings. They notified Adult Protective Services and investigators of what they had found on scene immediately, which speeds up the investigative process. We hope that Ms. Morgan gets the care that she needs. Our senior citizens should be protected, not mistreated.”