Caregiver arrested for abuse of 3 women with intellectual disabilities in Centreville

By Bryan Henry

CENTREVILLE, Ala. (WBRC) - A man was arrested for the abuse of three women in west Alabama.

We first learned about the abuse case in March. The Centreville police chief says one man is now accused of abusing at least three women with intellectual disabilities. One of the victims had serious injuries.

Centreville investigators identified the suspect as Matthew Stacy, a Bibb County man who is currently in the Bibb County Jail, according to court records. Stacy is said to be in his 40s.

“It’s a very uncommon thing to see in Bibb County,” said Centreville Police Chief Rodney Smith.

And that “uncommon thing” is Stacy’s role as a caregiver for the three survivors. What started out as an investigation involving one victim evolved into three.

“I think it stems more from psychological abuse rather than physical abuse. Even though there was physical abuse, it’s more psychological,” said Smith.

Investigators also believe Stacy stole hundreds of dollars worth of monthly government checks that belonged to the women he was caring for. The chief says that amount could be higher.

“I think it was the financial exploitation he was doing with each one of the victims, and I think that was the background of the motive. I don’t know if that was the complete motive,” said Smith.

Stacy faces felony charges pertaining to physical and financial abuse. Of the three survivors, one required surgery.

“Because the marks on her back had set up for infections,” said Smith.

It’s still unclear for now how Stacy became the caregiver for the three women. That, too, is part of the ongoing investigation, according to Smith.

“Not to my knowledge. He hasn’t confessed to any of the charges,” said Smith.

Today, one victim is in a nursing home. The other two are with family members in Bibb and Perry counties.

Smith has had a long career in law enforcement. He saw first-hand the emotional trauma in this case.

“I hope I never see it again,” said Smith.

Smith says based on the evidence they have now, they are not aware of any additional victims.

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Caregiver arrested for abuse of 3 women with intellectual disabilities in Centreville