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Written by: E. George
Published January 22, 2025 @ 12:55 PM ET
Warning: The following story contains information regarding alleged sexual violence/exploitation of disabled or elderly persons.
SPALDING COUNTY, Ga. – A Griffin Police officer arrested a 63-year-old Griffin man, Willie Anthony Smith, on November 25, 2024, and charged him with sexual battery for inappropriately touching a dementia patient at an assisted living facility. Smith, also a resident of the Airport Road center, was transported to the Spalding County Jail after employees reported his actions.
The witnesses told the officer that they observed Smith rubbing the inside of the 84-year-old victim’s thigh. The victim “was unaware of what was going on” due to her condition.
They explained that Smith had been reportedly caught violating other dementia patients in the past. One witness revealed that when she ordered him to remove his hands from the victim, he replied, “Why don’t you take your ass back over there?”
The witnesses refused to budge until he removed his grasp, and she dialed 911. The officer noted that Smith had been in the office while the witnesses described the incident to her, and “at no time did Smith deny his actions.”
The officer reported that Smith told her he had been in and out of jail, and returning to jail was “not a big deal for him.” She stated, “There was no remorse or regret for his actions.”
This case is currently pending in court.
Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]
On 11.25.2024 at approximately 0923 hours, I was dispatched to Spalding Post Acute, located at 415 Airport Rd, in reference to sexual battery.
Upon my arrival, I met with reporting party, [WITNESS #1], an employee of the assisted living facility, whom advised resident / offender, Willie Smith, had been observed by a nursing staff member rubbing the inside of the thigh of another resident / victim, [VICTIM #1].
[WITNESS #1] informed me that this is not the first time Smith has preyed on a dementia patient, and that he does it because they don’t know what’s going on.
Staff member / involved other, [WITNESS #2], advised she had just come into the lobby of the facility at approximately 0900 hours when she witnessed Smith holding onto [VICTIM #1]’s arm while rubbing the inside of [VICTIM #1]’s left thigh. [WITNESS #2] informed me [VICTIM #1] has dementia and was unaware of what was going on and that Smith was more than aware of what he was doing.
[WITNESS #2] advised Smith to remove his hands from [VICTIM #1]. [WITNESS #2] stated when she told Smith to remove his hands from [VICTIM #1], Smith asker her, “Why don’t you take your a*s back over there?”. [WITNESS #2] informed Smith she would do no such thing until he removed his hand from [VICTIM #1]. [WITNESS #2] then told a CNA what was going on and 911 was called.
The whole time [WITNESS #1] and [WITNESS #2] recapped the incident, Smith was in a wheelchair in the office with us. At no time did Smith deny his actions. Smith advised he’s been in and out of jail and it’s not a big deal for him to go back. There was no remorse for or regret of his actions.
[WITNESS #2] provided a written witness statement that was submitted to evidence under evidence form number 57221.
Smith was taken into custody, with his hands placed cuffed behind his back, and fit checked. The double lock mechanism was applied. Smith was searched for weapons / contraband before being placed into the rear of my assigned patrol car, which was also searched for weapons / contraband prior to the beginning of my shift. Smith, along with all required documentation, was transported to the Spalding County Jail facility using the safest and most direct route possible. Once at the Jail, Smith was turned over to Jail staff without incident.
Smith is being charged with sexual battery (OCGA 16-6-22.1) and a warrant was obtained for such by Magistrate Judge Parks.
[WITNESS #1] was issued a case card with a case number for the incident.
[End of Narrative]
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