Former custody officer charged with abuse of a vulnerable adult

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO)– Investigators with SLED say a former custody officer is charged with abuse of a vulnerable adult.

According to an incident report, on December 3, 2025, while working at Wellpath Recovery Solutions, Vernon Stewart grabbed a victim around the neck and took them to the floor.

Investigators say he then held the victim in place by placing his knee on their lower back.

Wellpath Recovery Solutions is a contracted provider for the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.