A Knoxville man is behind bars after deputies say they found a 75-year-old woman living in filthy, rodent-infested conditions and showing an apparent facial injury inside a home on Hickory View Circle. Responding to a domestic-dispute call on Friday, officers reported that 37-year-old Christopher Neeley led them to a back room where the woman had a large red mark on her face. She was taken to a hospital for treatment, while Neeley was arrested at the scene and charged. The case is now moving through Knox County courts this week.
According to the Knox County Sheriff's Office inmate roster, Neeley faces warrants for caregiver neglect and abuse of a vulnerable adult, and his bond was set at $5,000. The roster notes a bond hearing held Tuesday and an arraignment scheduled later this month. Booking information lists counts of abuse of a vulnerable adult along with related domestic-assault charges.
Scene described as 'foul' and crawling with rodents
Court documents obtained by WVLT paint a grim picture inside the home. Officers reported a strong, foul odor, animal feces and urine, and old food scattered throughout the residence. They also noted live rats and mice running around. The records say Neeley took officers to the back room where they found the 75-year-old woman with what investigators described as a large red mark on her face. She was transported to the hospital for treatment, and deputies took Neeley into custody on the spot.
Prosecutors and agencies involved
The Knox County District Attorney’s Office has identified elder and vulnerable-adult abuse prosecutions as a local priority and says cases are typically coordinated with Adult Protective Services and victim advocates. Prosecutors often rely on specialized teams to review care arrangements, medical records and related evidence before filing charges. According to the DA’s office, prosecutors and APS will continue reviewing records as law enforcement finishes its investigation in this case.
How to report suspected abuse
If you suspect elder or vulnerable-adult abuse in Tennessee, you can contact Adult Protective Services at 1-888-APS-TENN (1-888-277-8366) or submit an online report through the state portal. The Tennessee Department of Human Services' Adult Protective Services takes reports 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, both online and by phone. In an emergency, officials urge people to call 911 so law enforcement can respond immediately. Local victim services providers and the DA’s office can also help connect survivors with medical care and advocacy resources.
Legal charges and next steps
According to the Knox County Sheriff's Office inmate roster, Neeley is currently charged with abuse of a vulnerable adult, caregiver neglect and domestic assault, and he remains in custody as court proceedings continue. The records show a bond hearing scheduled for this week and a bonded arraignment set for later in July. Officials have not released additional information about a possible motive or whether more charges could follow as the investigation moves forward.
