A caretaker is arrested for physical/mental abuse of a mentally disabled adult
DATE/TIME: January 16, 2018 / 1:00 p.m.
INCIDENT: P.C. 368(b)(1) Dependent Adult Abuse
LOCATION: 6100 block of Blythe Ave., San Bernardino
SUSPECT: Dewaina Cunningham, 52 years of age, resident of San Bernardino
VICTIM: Confidential - Mentally Disabled Adult
SUMMARY:
San Bernardino- On January 16, 2018, an adult dependent caretaker, identified as Dewaina Cunningham, was arrested following an investigation of the physical and mental abuse of a mentally disabled adult. The abuse allegations were reported by New Discovery Residential Services, an adult board and care home located at the 6100 block of Blythe Ave. in San Bernardino. Dewaina Cunningham worked at the location for approximately one year and she was responsible for the care of dependent adults. In November 2018, residence surveillance video recorded Cunningham using a stun gun to mentally intimidate and physically assault the victim.
Detectives interviewed Cunningham and located corroborating evidence. Cunningham was arrested and booked at the Central Detention Center for a felony, PC 368(b)(1) - Dependent Adult Abuse. The crime was cross-reported to San Bernardino County Adult Protective Services. Cunningham has been employed as a caretaker at other board and care facilities in the County of San Bernardino. Investigators are releasing the Cunningham's photograph to the public in an attempt to identify additional victims or unreported incidents.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department - Central Station at (909) 387-3545. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463), or you may leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.
Refer: Central Station Detective Bureau
Station: Central Station
Phone No. (909) 387-3545
Case No. 011900144
JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
Address/Location
SBSD - Central
655 E 3rd St
San Bernardino, CA 92408
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 909-387-3700