Forsyth deputies say a quiet early morning at a local senior home turned violent when a man slipped inside, assaulted a staff member, then grabbed a laptop on his way out. A 39-year-old Atlanta man is now in custody, and investigators say the case is reaching beyond the assisted living facility’s walls.
According to 41NBC, Monroe County deputies were called to River Place Assisted Living around 2:30 a.m. on June 19 after staff reported that a man had gotten into the building and shoved a female employee into a corner before touching her inappropriately. The employee was able to break free, alert co-workers and call 911. As the suspect tried to leave, he allegedly grabbed a laptop and charger.
Deputies later tracked down the suspect and identified him as Derrick Hablin of Atlanta, according to the station. He was arrested, booked into the Monroe County Jail and is being held without bond on charges that include burglary, kidnapping, sexual battery, false imprisonment and identity fraud, the sheriff’s office said.
River Place is a small assisted living and memory care community in Forsyth that serves local seniors. The facility maintains an online community listing that outlines its assisted living and memory care services, according to Purple Door Finders.
Investigators Say Case Tied To Nearby Thefts
Monroe County investigators told reporters they have linked Hablin to a series of thefts in the nearby River Forest subdivision, and that the investigation into those incidents and the break-in at the assisted living facility remains active, according to 41NBC. Officials have not released further details about the alleged thefts.
Officials Ask For Tips
Anyone with information is asked to call the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Communications Division at 478-994-7010 or submit tips through the department’s social channels or mobile app. Local reporting notes that tips can be left anonymously and that investigators say they are continuing to follow leads as the case moves forward, according to The Telegraph.
What This Means Legally
Hablin faces multiple felony counts that, if prosecutors move forward with formal charges and convictions follow, could result in significant penalties under Georgia law. For now, the sheriff’s office says the investigation is ongoing, and Hablin is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
