Matthew J. SavageAn older couple was left in December at a vacant mobile home in northern Rhea County, Tenn., for four days with nothing but what they had on their backs.
Authorities said that act of abandonment launched a probe that landed a 26-year-old man behind bars on felony elder abuse charges.
Matthew J. Savage Jr., of Sweetwater, Tenn., was charged on two counts of vulnerable adult abuse and/or neglect, Rhea County Sheriff’s Office investigator Rocky Potter said. Savage is being held on a $10,000 bond and has a court appearance scheduled for March 2.
Potter said Savage dropped off the couple – a 67-year-old man and his 59-year old wife – after talking with the mobile home park owner about renting a place. Savage reportedly told the park owner he’d return with rent money and funds to set up housekeeping. Instead, he left the couple behind and never returned, the investigator said.
According to an incident report, Savage “has yet to return to provide money, living essentials, medications or check on their well-being,” the report states.