COBB COUNTY, Ga. — Worker at mental health facility sexually assaulted teen multiple times, warrant says
A warrant says a worker at a mental health facility sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl at least three times.
Investigators say Ridgeview Institute caught the suspect on security cameras enter the victim’s room on 10 separate occasions and said his timecard shows he clocked in two hours before his shift.
Jalen Pugh has been charged with crimes including sexual assault, aggravated child molestation and statutory rape.
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The teen’s mother said she was assaulted the day after she was admitted to the facility April 10.
“Something was taken from her that she can’t get back or explain,” the mother said.
She says she admitted her daughter to the facility on April 10. Investigators say Pugh sexually assaulted the teen the next morning.
According to the arrest warrant, investigators say a security camera captured Pugh enter the victim’s room on 10 separate occasions.
The facility told police Pugh’s timecard showed he clocked in two hours before his shift.
Investigators say Ridgeview Institute said it conducted an internal investigation five days after the crimes allegedly occurred because that’s when the facility says it found out.
The victim’s mother says she is the one who reported it to police.
“I asked them why didn’t they contact police or (Division of Family and Children Services) or any agency,” the mother said. “They said, the director told me that’s not their process. First, they reach out to the parents and let the parents decide what they want to do.”
Lt. Meredith Holt, Smyrna Police Department PIO, said the mother contacted them when she learned what happened.
State law requires Ridgeview Institute to report incidents to police or the DFCS
“They are mandated reporters, especially involving children. They are required within 24 hours of finding out this information,” Lt. Holt said.
The facility’s security team kicked Channel 2 off the property last week after trying to get answers about Pugh’s employment status.
Investigators said Pugh is no longer employed there. The facility has not provided details on employment status.
DFCS said state law prohibits them from commenting on cases involving children.
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