On May 6, 2025, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) revealed that six individuals have been indicted for their involvement in the abuse and neglect of a vulnerable adult at a group home facility in Greenville, Tennessee. This announcement followed an extensive investigation into the mistreatment of a male victim who had intellectual disabilities and was nonverbal. The facility involved in the abuse was operated by Support Solutions, a company providing care for individuals with special needs.

The Incident and Initial Investigation

The investigation began in August 2024 when Adult Protective Services (APS) received a referral concerning the well-being of a vulnerable adult living at the Support Solutions group home. Following the referral, the TBI’s Medicaid Fraud Control Division launched an investigation into the allegations. The victim, a male who was intellectually disabled and nonverbal, had been living at the facility for some time before the abuse was uncovered. According to the TBI, a number of employees at the facility were implicated in the ongoing abuse and neglect.

The victim’s condition made it particularly difficult for him to communicate the abuse, which highlights the challenges faced by vulnerable adults in institutional care. The care provided to individuals like this victim is critical, as they are often unable to advocate for themselves or understand what is happening to them. The investigation revealed a pattern of mistreatment by the staff, which allegedly included both physical abuse and neglect. Tragically, this abuse went unnoticed for a prolonged period of time, possibly due to a lack of oversight and accountability within the facility.

In response to the investigation, six individuals who worked at the facility were arrested and charged with various offenses related to the abuse. Among the arrested were direct support professionals and the residential manager of the facility. These individuals were responsible for caring for and supporting the vulnerable adult victim, and their actions—if proven—represent a gross violation of the trust and care expected in such environments.

The Indictments and Charges

The six individuals charged include:

1. Kashira Jackson (39 years old) – Jackson faces two counts of Aggravated Neglect of a Vulnerable Adult, one count of Abuse of a Vulnerable Adult, and one count of Failure to Report Abuse/Neglect of a Vulnerable Adult. Jackson, a senior staff member at the facility, allegedly played a significant role in the victim’s neglect and abuse.
2. Tyler Rodriguez (26 years old) – Rodriguez is charged with two counts of Aggravated Neglect of a Vulnerable Adult and one count of Failure to Report Abuse/Neglect of a Vulnerable Adult. As a direct support professional, Rodriguez was responsible for assisting with the victim’s daily care, and his alleged actions were instrumental in the victim’s mistreatment.
3. Bradley Arell (18 years old) – Arell faces two counts of Aggravated Neglect of a Vulnerable Adult, one count of Aggravated Abuse of a Vulnerable Adult, and one count of Failure to Report Abuse/Neglect of a Vulnerable Adult. Arell, the youngest among the accused, had a direct role in the victim’s care and allegedly engaged in both neglectful and abusive behavior.
4. Deven Anderson (25 years old) – Anderson is charged with two counts of Aggravated Neglect of a Vulnerable Adult, one count of Aggravated Abuse of a Vulnerable Adult, and one count of Failure to Report Abuse/Neglect of a Vulnerable Adult. Anderson’s charges mirror those of Arell and stem from similar accusations of neglect and abuse.
5. Shane Harrison (36 years old) – Harrison is charged with one count of Failure to Report Abuse/Neglect of a Vulnerable Adult. Although he is not accused of direct involvement in the abuse, his failure to report the ongoing neglect and mistreatment contributed to the prolonged suffering of the victim.
6. Christopher Owens (36 years old) – Owens is also charged with one count of Failure to Report Abuse/Neglect of a Vulnerable Adult. Like Harrison, Owens failed to intervene or report the abuse, which allowed the mistreatment to continue unchecked.

These charges are severe and reflect the gravity of the alleged crimes committed against a vulnerable adult. The charges include both direct abuse and neglect, as well as the failure of these individuals to report the ongoing mistreatment, allowing it to continue for an extended period.

The Legal Context and Implications

The legal ramifications of these charges are significant. Aggravated neglect and abuse of a vulnerable adult are serious felonies, especially in cases where the victim is nonverbal and intellectually disabled. The charges carry potential long-term prison sentences for those convicted, as they involve severe mistreatment of individuals who are most vulnerable in society.

In Tennessee, neglect and abuse of vulnerable adults is treated as a serious crime, and those found guilty can face harsh penalties, including years in prison. The state’s laws regarding the care of vulnerable adults emphasize the responsibility of care facilities to provide safe and humane treatment, with a strong focus on preventing abuse and neglect. The failure to report abuse is also a criminal offense, reflecting the importance of ensuring accountability and transparency in caregiving environments.

For the accused, these charges represent a significant legal battle. The outcome of their trials will have broader implications for the facility they worked for and the care industry as a whole. If convicted, these individuals could face substantial prison time, and the facility itself may face civil suits from the victim’s family, as well as regulatory penalties that could impact its ability to operate.

This case has also prompted discussions on how to improve oversight in group homes and care facilities. The vulnerability of adults with intellectual disabilities, particularly those who are nonverbal, makes them especially susceptible to mistreatment. The lack of regular checks and balances at these facilities can lead to situations where abuse goes unnoticed for months or even years. This case underscores the need for more stringent regulations and monitoring to ensure the safety of vulnerable adults.

The Role of the TBI and Adult Protective Services

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and Adult Protective Services (APS) played critical roles in bringing these charges to light. APS was the first to receive the referral and began investigating the allegations of abuse and neglect. Their role in protecting vulnerable adults in Tennessee cannot be overstated. APS investigates reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults, and works closely with law enforcement agencies like the TBI to ensure that those responsible for mistreating vulnerable individuals are held accountable.

The TBI’s Medicaid Fraud Control Division was instrumental in uncovering the full extent of the abuse at the Support Solutions facility. This division investigates fraud and abuse in healthcare settings, including group homes and long-term care facilities. By working with APS and local law enforcement, the TBI was able to gather evidence and secure the indictments of the six individuals involved in this case.

Their efforts to investigate and uncover the truth have set an example for how similar cases should be handled in the future. Their work highlights the importance of thorough and impartial investigations, especially in cases where vulnerable adults are involved. By holding those responsible accountable, the TBI and APS aim to set a precedent for other facilities and ensure that abuse and neglect are dealt with swiftly and decisively.

The Impact on the Community and the Family

The arrest of these six individuals has had a profound impact on the community. Greenville, a small town in Tennessee, has been shaken by the news that several people entrusted with the care of vulnerable adults were involved in such egregious behavior. Local residents have expressed shock and dismay, with many wondering how such abuse could go unnoticed for so long.

The family of the victim, whose identity has not been released, is undoubtedly devastated by the actions of those who were responsible for his care. The emotional toll of losing a loved one in such a manner is unimaginable, and the family is now left grappling with the aftermath of a situation that should have never occurred. Community members have rallied around the family, offering their condolences and support as they navigate this difficult time.

The case has also sparked broader discussions about the adequacy of care for vulnerable adults in group homes. Many families are now questioning the quality of care provided in these facilities and whether more should be done to ensure that residents are protected from harm. This case is a stark reminder that vulnerable individuals, particularly those with intellectual disabilities, are at risk of abuse in institutional settings.

The Future of Support Solutions and Other Facilities

In the wake of this incident, the future of Support Solutions, the facility where the abuse took place, is uncertain. The company may face significant legal and financial consequences as a result of this case. It is possible that the facility could face lawsuits from the victim’s family, as well as regulatory penalties that could impact its operations.

The case also raises important questions about the regulation of care facilities in Tennessee and across the country. What measures can be taken to prevent abuse and neglect from happening in the first place? Are current oversight practices adequate? How can families ensure that their loved ones are safe in group homes and long-term care facilities?

These questions are not easily answered, but they highlight the need for increased scrutiny and regulation of care facilities, especially those that care for vulnerable adults. More stringent policies on background checks, staff training, and facility inspections could go a long way in preventing future incidents like the one in Greenville.

Conclusion

The indictments of Kashira Jackson, Tyler Rodriguez, Bradley Arell, Deven Anderson, Shane Harrison, and Christopher Owens have shed light on the pervasive issue of abuse and neglect in group homes. This case highlights the vulnerability of adults with intellectual disabilities, and the responsibility that care facilities and their employees have in ensuring the safety and well-being of their residents.

The ongoing investigation, along with the arrests of these six individuals, serves as a reminder that the fight for justice for vulnerable adults is far from over. It is essential that authorities continue to work together to uncover the truth and ensure that those responsible for such abuse are held accountable.

As the legal process moves forward, it is hoped that lessons will be learned from this tragic event, and that steps will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. The case also serves as a call to action for communities and families to remain vigilant and advocate for the rights of vulnerable adults everywhere.