Caretaker Arrested for Exploiting, Neglecting Adult in Coffee County
COFFEE COUNTY, Georgia – A Coffee County woman has been arrested following a month-long investigation into allegations of financial exploitation and neglect of an adult.
On March 20, 2026, deputies with the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office arrested 50-year-old Laswanda Smith.
According to investigators, Smith was serving as the primary caretaker for an adult resident and is accused of using the individual’s income and benefits for personal and household expenses unrelated to the person’s care.
Detectives also determined that Smith failed to provide proper medical care, including missing appointments and delaying recommended rehabilitation services.
Smith was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Coffee County Jail.
She is charged with neglect of an adult and exploitation of an adult under Georgia law.
The investigation was conducted by the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division.
Authorities are encouraging anyone with information related to suspected adult neglect or financial exploitation to contact the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office at 912-384-4227 or submit a tip through the department’s mobile app.
