Two Arrested in Toccoa in Elderly Abuse Case

By Ethan Jordan, WNEG Radio, Toccoa

Investigators with the Toccoa Police Department have arrested two Toccoa residents following an investigation into an elderly abuse case.

According to Toccoa Police Chief Jimmy Mize, on the morning of October 20, officers from his office executed three arrest warrants at a home on East Tugalo Street.

The warrants stemmed from an earlier physical abuse investigation regarding a 78-year-old man who was living at the residence.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigations and Adult Protective Services were also at the home with police investigators and conducted interviews with other residents.

A search warrant was then obtained and executed.

62-year-old Gwen Woods, of Toccoa, was arrested and charged with one count of aggravated battery, one count of obstruction, and on count of hindering law enforcement.

Also arrested at the residence was Woods’ son, identified as 40-year-old Julius Jessie Smith, of Toccoa. Smith is charged with one count of aggravated battery.

Both were transported to Stephens County Jail.

Mize said Adult Protective Services also arranged for alternative housing in Toccoa and Gainesville for the remaining residents at the home.

He said the investigation is ongoing and other charges are pending.