The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has arrested and charged Ralph Cowart, age 37, of Statesboro, GA, and Meghan McCullough, age 36, of Statesboro, GA, with elder abuse/disabled adult charges stemming from an incident that occurred at Southern Manor at Candler, an assisted living facility co-owned by Cowart. McCullough is the Executive Director of the facility.
Cowart and McCullough are both charged with:
- Neglect to a disabled adult, elder person, or resident
- Exploitation and intimidation of disabled adults, elder persons, and residents
- Reckless conduct causing harm to or endangering the safety of another
- Failure to report a case of abuse of disabled adult or elder
On June 30, 2023, the Candler County Sheriff’s Office asked the GBI to investigate an incident involving a resident at the facility being removed from the property and left outside overnight in inclement weather. Cowart and McCullough have been booked at the Candler County Jail.
