Sheriff asking GBI for assistance in mentally ill dumping case

The operator of illegal homes for the mentally ill in Barrow County is facing four additional criminal counts, and Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith also is asking for the assistance of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for a broad-ranging investigation of what is a multi-juriscictional operation in which unlicensed providers and homes have provided services to scores of disabled adults.

After Winder and Barrow County officers late Friday night discovered four mentally disabled adults alone in a vacant house with no food or heat, the city's police department charged Marlo Kenneth Yarbrough with four counts of reckless conduct. He subsequently was charged by the Barrow County Sheriff's Office with four felony counts of the neglect and exploitation of disabled adults.

A press conference has been scheduled for 10 a.m. Nov. 15 at the Winder Police Department following a multi-agency meeting, Smith said.

He said he needs the GBI’s assistance because the allegedly criminal operation has been active in multiple counties. Smith said he also wants the GBI's help in following the money trail.

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#1 public on 11/14/11 at 02:55 PM

outcry, for what the owners did but I wonder two months from now where will all these people in these homes be, since the Sheriffs dept and GBI are making sure where all these folks live get closed down, yet no one was taking these people in, and I suspect other then salvation army or soup kithens and catholic charities most of these people will be homeless, shame we spend all kinds of moneis on the jails and courts yet our disabled are left to fend for themselfs, tsk tsk tsk

#1.1 Anonymous on 11/14/11 at 07:01 PM

I have a solution, kill the criminals that fill the jails. For temporary housing, take the jails over and help the people who really need the help.

#1.1.1 Lisa on 11/14/11 at 07:51 PM

Anonymous..... Good Idea!! :)

#1.1.1.1 Sheesh on 11/22/11 at 10:00 AM

America has the largest percentage of its population in prison than any other country in history including Russia under Stalin.

Are they all truly arch criminals or are prisons just good business?

#1.1.1.1.1 Juan on 11/22/11 at 11:52 AM

It's also the easiest to immigrate to. All you have to do is sneak in. Coincidence? I think not...

#1.1.2 Odins Eye on 11/22/11 at 11:41 AM

What a completely IGNORANT thing to say herr Himmler.
Maybe you and Lisa would like to start the culling.
You know.... get a little blood on your hands.
Sieg Heil

-Hropt

#1.2 are you kidding on 11/14/11 at 09:34 PM

"since the Sheriffs dept and GBI are making sure where all these folks live get close'd down"

Thats it smart guy, blame Law Enforcement for this. What would happen if NOTHING was done? Do you think they were better off living in the conditions they were? You truly are UNBELIEVABLE with your crazy comments. I have an idea, why dont YOU open your door for them. What do you do as a "productive" member of this society other then sit in here and make these off the wall comments. Let me answer that, Not a damn thing. Complain, is about it. Talk about things that you have no clue about.

I am ALL for helping these people out. All up to the point YOU start complaining about your tax dollars paying for it. Please tell me that wouldnt happen. I am curious though, what do you think should happen to this guy who let all this take place? If he had it YOUR way he would not be in jail, god forbid we lock people up and spend your "monies" housing him before he goes to court.

Cant wait for this response.

#2 yes on 11/14/11 at 10:47 PM

I think living in a building with some help is better then being homeless since without a home they are likely to fall into being homeless and this county like many across America has abandoned treating and protecting the mentally ill and the persons who have due to birth been held from being able to function as adults, choosing to hire Police and build Jails rather then provide for these folks.,........ thus creating a void these people have fallen into!!!!!!

#3 Lisa on 11/15/11 at 05:45 AM

"are you kidding" Let me make this simple for you because it seams this you will understand. I have no issue what so ever with my tax dollars paying for the help mentally ill people. You asked what do you think should happen to this guy (people) who let all this take place? You seam to think I would NOT want them in jail. Well your part correct I would not want them in jail. I would want them 6 feet under. I have had and do have people in my family that are mentally ill and know that when they do not get there meds on a constant bases it makes them worse. You seam to think that these people who treated them this way have done nothing wrong. That makes me wonder why? Are you related?

#3.1 Are you kidding on 11/15/11 at 08:21 AM

Dear Lisa,

My response was in NO WAY directed at YOU, it was a reply to #1. Before you come and attack me, go back and read #1, then re-read my response. I NEVER said this guy shouldn't be in jail, like you, I too would love to see him under the jail.I would have loved to put the cuffs on him myself. Nobody deserves to be treated this way, NOBODY. My responses to #1 are that of Sarcasm (apparently too sarcastic for some to read into).

As far as the tax dollars comment. It again, was a response to #1. He is the first to complain about Law Enforcement and taxes, yet when we do our job, he finds something wrong with it, ALWAYS.

#3.1.1 Lisa on 11/15/11 at 08:55 AM

To: are you kidding,
My bad. This subject hits too close to home and anyone who has anything to do with this needs to have the law used to the fullest extent.

#4 I on 11/15/11 at 07:15 AM

am not saying this was in anyway perfect setting, but this sure does beat being without anything, often since no one takes compassion into what is going on with the mentally ill and mentally slow minded they are left to try and survive.

I know this much being in a building with water and electric beats walking endlessly from place to place not having a place to keep your clothes not having anything because one has no where to keep it, so this may not have been the best but in this county there doesnt seem to be options for those the citizens have left behind.

#4.1 Howdy on 11/16/11 at 05:56 PM

being giver the wrong meds, given other peoples meds, being chocked, beat over the head-does not sound to me like something that needs to take place--do not like homeless option either----lot of issues; not many answers

#5 Helen Boucher on 11/15/11 at 07:49 AM

The SSA needs to be investigated over this atrocity. This among other violations will be revealed. I personally know of several people receiving benefits that don't deserve or qualify; they have a relative that works in the office.

#6 well on 11/15/11 at 08:02 AM

it is not always obvious by looking at people if in your opinion they deserve benefits,

there is a process and it involves not only SSA worker but medical doctor and medical records which are and should remain between SSA and the citizen the Doctor and review board.

so before you say someone doesnt deserve something maybe you dont know the real reason they are getting it as some dont want everyone knowing what a medical issue one may be facing.

#6.1 Helen Boucher on 11/15/11 at 08:15 AM

Sitting around all day drinking cold beer collecting benefits sounds a little fishy to me. And he has a sister that works in the SSA office in Athens that oversees section 8 among other things. This program needs purging.

#6.1.1 Anonymous on 11/15/11 at 05:31 PM

Helen why haven't you done something about this. Knowing this information makes you guilty. American citizens need to stand up and OPEN their mouths and find out the facts. You sit quietly with your mouth shut and think you know the entire story. Stop being guilty and take some responsibility for what you say you know!!

#6.1.1.1 Helen Boucher on 11/16/11 at 08:23 AM

Sit quietly? At least I have the courage to put my name. Don't question my integrity when sit behind vail.

#7 hmmmm on 11/15/11 at 01:13 PM

this happens everyday in every hospital in the country, people with mental illness are dumped, next time you are in a er ask a nurse. next time you want to know why you have to wait so long ask a nurse. there is nothing new here. this is a national problem. but hey lets take away funding, then when this happens people are outraged they live in your neighborhood.

#8 Address on 11/15/11 at 06:24 PM

I know this was in Cambridge estates, but does anyone know the address?

#9 Howdy on 11/16/11 at 05:58 PM

926 Downing Dr

#10 Cousin on 11/21/11 at 10:52 PM

People should not judge. And just let the facts of the case come out. Think about it this way... if it were you and you got caught up in something and did not know it was illegal? Or if that was your loved one in jail? Let the facts come (all of them), GOD Bless you Marlo.

#10.1 Anonymous on 11/22/11 at 09:37 AM

They didnt know it was illegal???? Give me a break.

#10.1.1 now on 11/22/11 at 09:42 AM

lets see a follow up story on all the avenues provided for these people , now that the busy body neighbors wanted the mentally ill out, plain and simple I think this is more about overbearing nosey neighbors then an ILLEGAL business. I am not even sure about the abuse claims, had to eat cereal!!! etc, what does Barrow county offer to house and provide for mentally ill other then the JAIL?

#11 exactly on 11/22/11 at 04:34 AM

so all you who sell avon, mary kay, let your kids sel cookies or popcorn better get your business permits in order...... oh wait not everybody needs a permit......
and yes busy body HOA should mind their business! bored retired folks not wanting anyone to be near their homes. go move to the mountains then you old busy bodies!

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Sheriff asking GBI for assistance in mentally ill dumping case

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Sheriff asking GBI for assistance in mentally ill dumping case

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