IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. — There are shocking allegations against a worker accused of abusing people with disabilities in Iredell County.
Investigators say it happened at a residential group on Bonnie Lane in Statesville. 25 year-old Brionna Sherrill is accused of assaulting three victims ages, 12, 16, and 20. All three victims have mental and physical disabilities.
According to the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began after other employees came forward with their concerns. None of the employees said much to NBC Charlotte about the alleged abuse on Friday, but court documents are revealing new details.
“That someone would try to assault or hurt one of these people is more angering than disturbing,” says Captain Bill Hamby with the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies say the abuse happened during a two day period in March. Sherrill is accused of hitting or slapping the victims in the face and head, according to court documents. An arrest warrant shows that Sherrill allegedly lifted up a victim’s face shield to assault them.
“One of the victims involved has a condition serious enough to where they were a helmet to kind of make sure they don’t in turn hurt themselves,” Captain Hamby told NBC Charlotte. “ I believe some of the allegations are that one of the shields was lifted up and the suspect did actually strike the victim.”
Investigators say Sherrill did not have a prior criminal record. Deputies tell NBC Charlotte they don’t know what may have set her off.
“Maybe just having had a bad day, I don’t know. To me there’s no excuse for that behavior regardless,” Captain Hamby said.
Sherrill is now facing seven counts of misdemeanor assault on an individual with disabilities.
NBC Charlotte went to the residential group, but employees said the manager was not on site. NBC Charlotte left contact information, but at this point have not heard back. Investigators say the facility took the proper steps to notify authorities.
Investigators say none of the victims suffered serious injuries.
NBC Charlotte learned that the state found issues with how the facility, Bonnie Lane Group Home, investigated abuse allegations back in 2018. However, the state has since determined the facility corrected those issues.
Sherrill is now free on a $2,500 bond.
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