Bond Increased for Caregiver Accused of Neglecting Adults with Disabilities

Shelby County, TN – The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office successfully argued for a higher bond Friday in the case against Bernice Jarrett, the caregiver accused of neglecting six vulnerable adults—one of whom has since died.

During Friday’s hearing, Jarrett’s bond was raised from $80,000 to $250,000 following a motion filed and argued by Assistant District Attorney Rob Steele.

Jarrett was arrested Tuesday after Memphis Police responded to a medical call around 9:50 a.m. at the Goodyear shop on 1200 Union Avenue. Officers found a yellow bus parked in the lot, attached to a trailer holding three live goats. Inside the bus, police discovered a driver and six passengers living in inhumane conditions without access to food or water. Five of the passengers were intellectually disabled, and one was reportedly suffering from dementia.

The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that one of the passengers later died.

Jarrett is currently charged with six counts of neglect of a vulnerable adult.

“This case is deeply disturbing,” said District Attorney Steve Mulroy. “The individuals involved were among our community’s most vulnerable, and they were subjected to unthinkable conditions. We will pursue accountability to the fullest extent of the law.”

The case remains under investigation.