Gwinnett County

Hidden camera captures alleged crimes against patient

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — A Lithonia woman is accused of hitting, kicking and strangling a personal care home resident who is confined to a wheelchair -- and police say there is video evidence. %

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Channel 2 was there Friday morning when 44-year-old Lisa Williams appeared in court. Gwinnett County police have charged Williams with two counts of exploiting a disabled adult and one count of aggravated assault.

The 69-year-old victim’s son became suspicious and set up video cameras that recorded the alleged assaults.

Police said the alleged crimes were committed at the Personal Touch personal care home in Loganville.

“According to reports, she’d been working there about three weeks and the allegations began about three to four days after she began working there,” said Cpl. Deon Washington.

Police say four other patients live at the home.

“We hope to interview other people who live in that home in the upcoming week,” Washington said.

Officials say the home is regulated by the state. The most recent inspection, in March, 2015, noted several violations but no abuse.

“The facility is cooperating with law enforcement,” Washington said.

A spokesperson for the state agency that handles personal care homes told Channel 2’s Tony Thomas that workers like Williams have to pass a background check, but do not have to be licensed.

The victim’s son said his lawyer wouldn’t allow him to talk about the incident.