DeKalb woman found guilty of exploiting disabled patients

Ward, a former Cedar Grove Middle School secretary, worked as a caregiver and housed disabled and elderly victims in unsafe and filthy conditions, authorities said. She confined one man against his will and engaged in identity theft — using the Social Security numbers of victims to set up utilities at various homes and stealing money from a victim’s bank account, they said.

“We see so many cases of our elders and disabled adults being abused through various tactics,” District Attorney Robert James said in an emailed news release. “Bobbie Ward actively preyed on our most vulnerable citizens. I applaud the work of our Elder Abuse & Exploitation Unit for their work with this case.”

Ward’s sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.

She will face an additional charge of aggravated assault and one count of disabled adult abuse at a later date.