E'town man arrested for abuse, exploitation of an adult

An Elizabethtown man was released from jail Monday after he was arrested late Saturday night on charges of abuse and exploitation of an adult.

Joseph Alfonza Starks

Joseph Alfonza Starks, 36, faces the felony charges after officers with the Elizabethtown Police Department were called to the residence of Starks’ parents on Adams Road. Police found the home in “extremely poor condition,’’ according to the arrest citation.

Once inside, police said they found a bedridden woman who was unable to eat or get in and out of bed and may suffer from dementia, according to the citation. The woman was transported to Hardin Memorial Hospital where she was diagnosed with “several serious sores.’’

According to the arrest citation, Starks moved in with his parents around August of last year and has refused to allow family members inside the home to see his parents.

Documents were found which police believe show that Starks exploited the couple for several thousand dollars, arrest records show.

Starks was released on a $10,000 unsecured bond. As part of his release, he is to have no contact with the alleged victim.

He is scheduled to appear June 20 in Hardin District Court.

Jeff D’Alessio can be reached at (270) 505-1757 or jdalessio@thenewsenterprise.com.