Roswell Police Shut Down Unlicensed Care Home, Arrest Operator for Elder Exploitation
ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell police shut down an unlicensed personal care home and relocated ten vulnerable adults after arresting the operator on multiple charges related to elder exploitation.
The Roswell Police Department said the investigation began in early January after an elderly man was reported missing from a residence in the 1000 block of Worthington Hills Drive. The man was later located safe at an Atlanta shelter, but investigators discovered the home was being operated by 58 year old Deborah Callaway as a senior care facility.
Authorities said further investigation revealed Callaway did not have the required state license to operate a care home. When officers inspected the residence, they found ten adult residents living in the home alongside Callaway.
Investigators said several residents were living two or three to a room, including in converted living rooms, dining rooms and other areas not designed as bedrooms. A backyard shed had also been converted into a makeshift sleeping area.
Police also determined that Callaway had been exploiting residents financially for personal gain.
On Wednesday, March 11, officers executed a search warrant at the residence. Callaway was arrested at the scene, and all remaining residents received medical evaluations before being relocated to licensed housing facilities.
Officials said the operation involved multiple agencies that helped coordinate care and support for the residents, including the Roswell Fire Department, Roswell Code Enforcement, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office, Adult Protective Services, the Healthcare Facility Regulation Division, Wellstar North Fulton Hospital Outreach, American Medical Response, Hope 4 Haven House Foundation and Jewish Family and Career Services.
“What began as a routine missing person call evolved into a major protective operation, fundamentally improving the lives of ten vulnerable adults because our officers refused to ignore the red flags they saw on scene,” Roswell Police Chief James Conroy said. “This case is a powerful reminder that public safety is a team effort.”
Callaway faces charges including two counts of elder exploitation, two counts of elder trafficking, financial transaction card fraud, theft by taking and third degree forgery. Investigators said additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Roswell Police Department or Crime Stoppers Atlanta.
