Albany, GA – On Tuesday, September 19, 2017, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) executed search warrants and made an arrest in a multi-county investigation involving the exploitation of disabled and elderly adults.  Michelle Oliver, 39, was arrested for exploitation and intimidation of disabled adults, elder persons, and residents (felony); neglect of a disabled adult, elder person, and resident (felony); and for operating an unlicensed personal care home (misdemeanor).  The case was worked in conjunction with the Healthcare Facility Regulation office, a division of the Georgia Department of Community Health, and Adult Protective Services of the Georgia Department of Human Services.

The GBI began the criminal case in July of this year after residents in the South Jackson Street and Flintside Drive area of Albany informed authorities that people living in nearby apartments rented by Oliver were begging for food.  The investigation led to state and local agencies executing search warrants on Oliver’s apartments.  The units were condemned by Albany Code Enforcement because of the living conditions. Seven elderly and/or disabled adults were triaged by Dougherty County EMS and the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. The individuals were relocated to licensed facilities.

State and local authorities also executed a search warrant at Oliver’s residence located at 102 River Overlook in Forsyth, GA, where she was taken into custody.  Four elderly/disabled adults, who were also living at the house, had to be moved to licensed facilities.

During the execution of the search warrants, it was learned that a residence in Bibb County was also connected to Oliver.  Authorities found three additional elderly/disabled persons at 2475 Houston Avenue in Macon.  The three individuals were also relocated.

The following agencies have also assisted in the investigation: Albany Police Department, Dougherty County District Attorney’s Office, Prosecuting Attorneys Council, Office of Attorney General -Medicare Fraud Control Unit, Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office, Albany Transit Authority, Southwest Georgia Council on Aging (Ombudsmen), and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation is still active and more charges against Oliver are expected. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the GBI office in Sylvester at 229-777-2080.

Kim Baker - Special Agent in Charge | Sylvester | 229-777-2080