Upgraded Charges on Seneca Man in relation to Neglect of Vulnerable Adult

The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Seneca man over the weekend on an upgraded charge related to a recent investigation into the neglect of a vulnerable adult. Back on Dec. 20, the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office issued a press release announcing the arrest of 57-year-old Mack Adams Gaines of Henderson Drive on a charge of neglect of a vulnerable adult. A deputy from the Uniform Patrol Division responded to Oconee Memorial Hospital on Dec. 18, at the request of paramedics in regards to a possible case of elder abuse involving a 92-year-old female that had been lying in the floor of her residence since the previous Friday, Dec. 15. The victim’s residence is located in the Seneca area. The deputy contacted the Department of Social Services and the case was turned over to the Criminal Investigations Division of the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office. As the investigation continued and evidence was gathered in the case, it was determined that Gaines knew that the victim was lying in the floor but did not seek or provide adequate aid. The female was vulnerable due to falling in the floor and being helpless and due to her age as well. Gaines was released on bond on the original charge on Dec. 21. He was given a $20,000 surety bond. The investigator in the case received word that the victim in the investigation died on Jan. 17. Based upon evidence gathered as a result of the investigations, the investigator determined that the victim died based as a result of the neglect and obtained an arrest warrant charging Gaines with abuse or neglect of a vulnerable adult resulting in death. At this time, Gaines remains in custody at the Oconee County Detention Center as he was denied bond as he will have a bond hearing before a Circuit Court Judge. The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office is continuing their investigation.