A Buford woman was arrested and faces charges for neglect of an elder and exploitation of an elder, both felony offenses.
Hall County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputies responded to Shoal Creek Campground around 3:30 p.m. on June 13 for a welfare check.
The check was due to campers calling in reportedly hearing someone screaming for help, later identified as the 80-year-old victim.
Upon arrival, deputies found a med unit assisting the victim, who was allegedly bed bound and laying in urine.
“Deputies were able to contact the caregiver of the victim, 54-year-old Gretchen P. Manley-Philyaw, and the suspect confirmed that she indeed left the victim in the camper overnight,” HCSO Spokeswoman B.J. Williams said.
At the time, the suspect and the victim were allowed to leave the scene.
A follow-up investigation with the med unit team and Adult Protective Services (APS), led deputies to obtaining warrants for Manley-Philyaw.
Manley-Philyaw said at the time she would take the victim back to her home in Buford, but on June 18:
“They determined that the suspect and the victim were in that same camper at yet another park, this time at Shady Grove Park in Forsyth County,” Williams said.
Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office deputies were able to apprehend the suspect and transport her to Hall County while the victim was released to the care of a family member.
Manley-Philyaw was booked into Hall County Jail around 6:30 p.m. that day, and then posted a bond of $20,000 and was released on June 20.
The investigation is still ongoing.
