Jessica Bailey : Carroll County grandma sends parents to jail for neglect

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Jessica Bailey (Credit: Carroll County Sheriffs Office)

CARROLL COUNTY, Ga. – What began as a routine 911 call from a concerned grandmother seeking assistance for her grandson, quickly escalated into a troubling situation resulting in the arrest of two individuals and the involvement of the Georgia Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS).

A deputy from Carroll County responded to a residence on White Rose Lane following a request from Machelle Turner, who had called law enforcement to address her 10-year-old grandson’s behavior of riding his bike on Highway 113.

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Upon arrival, the deputy discovered three minors at the property who claimed to be home alone. They led the deputy to the neighbouring house where their grandmother, Machelle, resided.

Allegedly, Machelle expressed her frustration to the deputy, stating that she was overwhelmed by caring for multiple children and accused the parents, Jessica and Steve Bailey, of neglecting their responsibilities. Additionally, she made concerning allegations of sexual assault.

In response to the situation, DFCS was contacted and dispatched to the location.

During the wait for DFCS, Jessica arrived at the property in a white SUV and immediately engaged in a heated exchange with her children, threatening to send them back to foster care.

Seeking permission from Jessica, the deputy entered the residence, where they were met with a strong odour of animal waste and urine. The deputy observed a locked fridge and freezer, along with sparsely stocked kitchen cabinets. The oppressive heat inside the home was likened to the discomfort of a hot vehicle on a summer day with no ventilation. Notably, the bedroom shared by Jessica and Steve had a window unit set to a chilly 54 degrees and a well-stocked mini-fridge.

Subsequently, Jessica and Steve were arrested on charges of cruelty to children in the first degree and were taken into custody at the Carroll County Jail.

A DFCS social worker attended the scene to assess the situation and provide support. The welfare and whereabouts of the children following the incident remain unclear.