A man who worked as a home care provider in Cherokee County was convicted on multiple charges related to sexually violating a physically limited man in his care.
Jose Jaimie Argueta, 46, of Woodstock, was convicted of false imprisonment and aggravated sodomy and sentenced to 40 years behind bars, Cherokee District Attorney Shannon Wallace said in a news release. His sentence, which does not include the possibility of parole, will be followed by lifetime probation that includes sex offender special conditions.
Argueta’s charges were based on an incident that took place in the victim’s home May 24, 2020, Wallace said. Argueta provided basic care for the man, who needed assistance due to his physical limitations. The DA’s Office did not provide further information about the nature of the victim’s limitations.
That day, Argueta forced the resident into his bedroom and sexually violated him for 45 minutes, according to the Cherokee DA. Later, the resident was able to go to the home of a neighbor, who called 911. Emergency medical personnel responded and he was taken to the hospital, where he was treated and evaluated.
According to Wallace, her team of prosecutors showed during the jury trial that the victim was forcefully violated without his consent. Witnesses included Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners from LiveSafe Resources who evaluated the resident and documented his injuries. Investigators with the Cherokee sheriff’s office said the man told them that he did not have the strength to defend himself during the assault.
“The defendant took advantage of this fragile victim, leaving him frightened, in pain, and desperately needing help,” Assistant District Attorney Leyna Pope, who led the prosecution, said.
“The crime that Argueta committed ... is nothing less than despicable. It’s horrifying to imagine the depth of betrayal and humiliation this victim felt after being hurt in this way by someone he once trusted,” Wallace said in a statement. “We are grateful for the Cherokee County jury who endured the graphic evidence and testimony presented during this case. Their verdict ensures that Jose Jaime Argueta will spend decades in prison for his crimes and will not be able to harm another innocent victim.”
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