A Georgia woman, Patricia Green, was arrested on Sunday after being accused of repeatedly abusing her 14-year-old grandson. Green faces a charge of cruelty to children following allegations that she regularly beat the boy, leaving him with visible injuries.
Abuse Reported by School Counselor
The incident began when a school counselor at Burke County High School contacted the Burke County Sheriff’s deputies on Friday after the 14-year-old boy reported being abused by his grandmother.
Deputies arrived to find the boy with a busted lip, a head laceration, and bruising on his left forearm. According to the boy’s statement, the abuse had been ongoing, with his grandmother allegedly using a dustpan to strike him on the head.
Alleged Drinking and Violent Behavior
The boy told police that Green was a heavy drinker, and that her violent behavior would escalate after drinking. He also mentioned that when his grandfather tried to intervene, Green would become violent towards him as well, sometimes even calling the police on him.
The boy further revealed that his grandfather had been arrested in the past as a result of these incidents.
Grandfather Corroborates Abuse Claims
When questioned by police, the boy’s grandfather confirmed the boy’s story. He stated, “Whatever he told you is the truth,” and explained that Green would become angry over not receiving child support payments.
The grandfather acknowledged that Green’s violence was primarily directed at the 14-year-old boy, but she did not exhibit violent behavior toward the other child in their custody. He also said that he felt the boy needed to report the abuse to a counselor since he couldn’t intervene effectively.
Arrest and Investigation
Police obtained a warrant for Green’s arrest, and she was taken into custody on Sunday. She was later released on bond. Green, who worked at a local hospital, was suspended from her position while the investigation continues.
The case has raised concerns about the role of the family in supporting vulnerable members, with the grandfather acknowledging his inability to stop the abuse and the boy’s desperate decision to seek help from a school counselor.
