CHRISTMAS SEASON BEGINS
A 28-year-old Jones County man was arrested and is facing multiple charges following a report of elder abuse.
The arrest report by Jones County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Matthew Dennis states that Justin Kyle Lipko was arrested Nov. 1 and charged with possession of a controlled substance, cruelty to animals, elder abuse (exploitation, inflict pain to, deprive essential services to disabled person, elder person or resident), simple battery (family violence) and misdemeanor obstruction of law enforcement officers.
Dennis said he received a report of physical and verbal abuse taking place at a residence on Sage Street. He said an on-scene investigation revealed that Justin Lipko was under the influence of alcohol and marijuana. The suspect claimed to be the caretaker of the victim, who is disabled.
The complainant told the officer that Lipko would hit him with a cane as well as push and shove him. He said when the suspect would drink alcohol, the abuse would get worse, until he gave into the offender’s demands.
Dennis said as he was taking Lipko into custody, the suspect offered physical resistance. The officer also noted that there were two dogs on the property that had not been provided care.
The officer said the victim was transported to the hospital and the dogs were taken into care by Jones County Animal Services.
Lipko was transported to the Jones County jail. Dennis said the case remains under investigation.
