KEYSVILLE, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A Burke County woman has been arrested and charged with first-degree cruelty to children after her grandson reported enduring nearly nightly abuse.
Patricia Green, an employee at Doctors Hospital, was taken into custody on Sunday following a report of child abuse made by her 14-year-old grandson at Burke County High School. The hospital has since suspended her pending the outcome of the investigation.
Deputies responded to the school counselor’s office on Friday afternoon where they found the visibly injured teen, who reported repeated beatings by his grandmother. Photos taken by deputies documented a busted lip, a head laceration, and bruising on the boy’s left arm.
The boy claimed the injuries were the result of consistent beatings, often occurring when Green had been drinking. He said the head injury came from being hit with a dust pan.
According to the report, the boy’s grandfather, who shares custody, confirmed the abuse and said Green becomes violent when intoxicated. He admitted trying to defend the child but was previously arrested after Green called the police during those altercations.
Investigators later visited the family’s home on Mini Farms Road, where the grandfather confirmed the victim’s story, stating, “Whatever he told you is the truth.”
The report noted another juvenile lives in the home but is not subjected to abuse. The grandfather said the victim had no one else to turn to and was encouraged to speak with his school counselor.
Warrants were obtained for Green’s arrest, and she was taken into custody by the Burke County Sheriff’s Office.
