Greenville Woman Charged After Allegedly Abusing A Vulnerable Adult

A Greenville woman was arrested after deputies said she physically and mentally abused a woman in her care at an Upstate vocational program.

Debra Slaughter, 48, of 700 Donaldson Road, is charged with one count of abuse of a vulnerable adult.

According to warrants, Slaughter was observed both physically and mentally assaulting a mentally-handicapped woman on at least two occassions, while the victim attended a vocational program at the Patrick Center located at 1700 Ridge Road, Greenville. The warrant also said the victim is unable to speak.

Slaughter has been released from the Greenville County Detention Center on a $10,000 bond.

"Ms. Slaughter is no longer employed by the center and hasn't been for a while," said Brent Parker, executive director of Greenville County Disabilities and Special Needs Board.

Parker said GCDSN has a zero-tolerance policy for abuse or ill-treatment of clients. Parker said the agency takes prompt action in reporting such abuse to law enforcement officials.

Parker said that at the time of Slaughter's employment, she would have been working with clients as a direct care support staff member in a classroom setting. Parker said that most of the clients the Patrick Center serves come to the center for vocational training or therapeutic care.