LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department says that on Dec. 29, 2020, its Special Victims Section received a video from social media that depicted an elderly victim and a vulnerable adult being physically abused by a caretaker.
Police say there was little information to go on and detectives from the section’s Elder Abuse Unit immediately launched an investigation into the incident.
Detectives say they quickly identified and arrested the caretaker, 26-year-old Stephany Gilbert.
They also learned that the incident had taken place on Dec. 25 at the home of 23- year-old Jakia Edwards.
Police say Edwards could be seen in the video as she recorded Gilbert berating the victims and physically abusing them.
On Dec. 30, detectives say they located and arrested Edwards. Gilbert and Edwards were booked into the Clark County Detention Center for Neglect Older or Vulnerable Person; Abuse Older or Vulnerable Person; and Conspire to Abuse, Exploit, or Isolate Older or Vulnerable Person.
“I’m really proud of the detectives on this case,” said Sergeant James Johnson of the Elder Abuse Unit. “They did a phenomenal job ensuring these victims were taken care of and the suspects were taken off the streets.”
Sgt. Johnson added that many cases of elder abuse go unreported, but he hopes more people will speak up.
In 2020, LVMPD says its Elder Abuse Unit made an arrest or submitted for an arrest warrant in 58 cases.
Anyone who suspects elder abuse is taking place is urged to report it to the LVMPD Elder Abuse Unit by phone at 702-828-3364.
To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 702-385-5555, or on the internet at www.crimestoppersofnv.com.
