News Summary
A caregiver in Laurens has been arrested for allegedly abusing a vulnerable adult at a memory care facility. Robin C. Hatley, 61, faces felony charges and could face significant penalties. The investigation, conducted by law enforcement in partnership with specialized units, highlights the importance of accountability in caretaker responsibilities. This event reflects broader concerns about care for vulnerable individuals and the legal actions taken to prevent abuse.
Laurens, South Carolina – Caregiver Arrested for Abuse of Vulnerable Adult
Robin C. Hatley, a 61-year-old caregiver from Laurens, has been arrested following allegations of abusing a vulnerable adult while employed at Pearl at Five Forks Memory Care Center in Simpsonville, South Carolina. The South Carolina Attorney General, Alan Wilson, announced the charges on July 18, 2025. Hatley faces a felony charge of Abuse of a Vulnerable Adult, which, if convicted, could result in a prison sentence of up to five years or a fine of up to $5,000, or both.
Details of the Incident
The alleged abuse is reported to have occurred on June 14, 2025, at the memory care facility. The victim, who was a resident of Pearl at Five Forks at the time of the incident, has been classified as a vulnerable adult. Following the incident, the facility promptly reported the allegations to law enforcement and cooperated fully with the investigation.
Investigation Process
The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Vulnerable Adult and Medicaid Provider Fraud (VAMPF) Unit, led the investigation into the allegations against Hatley. The VAMPF Unit is specifically responsible for handling cases of Medicaid fraud, abuse, neglect, and exploitation within assisted living and nursing home environments. Hatley was later booked into the Greenville County Detention Center, marking a significant step in addressing the serious nature of caretaker responsibilities and accountability.
Clinton, South Carolina – Fatal Shooting Incident
In a separate incident, a shooting in Clinton late Tuesday night left one man dead. Police responded to reports of multiple gunshots on Florence Street around 11:17 p.m. Upon arrival, officers discovered 69-year-old Rufford Jones lying in the roadway with gunshot wounds. He was transported to Prisma Health Laurens County Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Investigation and Arrest
Law enforcement quickly detained a suspect, identified as 34-year-old Vincent Marc Viner, at the scene of the shooting. Viner has been charged with murder and is currently being held at the Johnson Detention Center. He is awaiting a scheduled bond hearing as the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting continues.
Assistance from Law Enforcement
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) assisted the local police with the crime scene investigation, emphasizing the cooperative efforts of various law enforcement agencies in addressing violent crime in the area. The investigation aims to gather more evidence and further understand the events that led to this tragic incident.
Conclusion
As the community grapples with both the arrest of a caregiver for supposed abuse and a fatal shooting incident, local law enforcement remains focused on their responsibilities to ensure justice and safety. These incidents underscore the importance of protective measures for vulnerable populations and the need for a swift response to violent crimes to maintain public trust and security.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- GoLaurens: Caregiver Arrested for Abuse
- WYFF: Death Investigation in Laurens County
- Fox Carolina: Man Charged After Shooting Incident
- Post and Courier: Maternity Care in Rural Hospitals
- My Clinton News: Death Investigation in Lydia Mill
- Wikipedia: Abuse of Vulnerable Adults
- Google Search: Shooting Incidents in South Carolina
- Google Scholar: Caregiver Abuse Laws
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Vulnerable Populations
- Google News: Laurens South Carolina News
Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON
CLINTON STAFF WRITER The CLINTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREClinton.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Clinton, Laurens County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Discovery, Clinton Community Day, and performances at the Whitten Center Amphitheater. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Laurens County Historical Society, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and education that power the local economy such as Milliken & Company and Presbyterian College. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
