How Could You?Hall of Shame-Stephen Jerome Atkinson

This will be an archive of heinous actions by those involved in child welfare, foster care and adoption. We forewarn you that these are deeply disturbing stories that may involve sex abuse, murder, kidnapping and other horrendous actions.

From Selma, Alabama, group home worker, “Stephen Jerome Atkinson, age 54, of Wilson was arrested May 28 by the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office. He is charged with sexual act by a substitute parent/custodian and first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.

Authorities said the alleged offenses happened at a group home on Old Batten Road outside of Selma. An online search indicates the facility is operated by Savin Grace LLC.

The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office confirmed a report was filed with their agency on May 6, 2024 and following a three week investigation Stephen Atkinson was arrested.

According to a copy of the arrest warrant for sexual act by a substitute parent/custodian, Atkinson had assumed a position of a parent/custodian at the location where a minor child under age 18 was residing. Atkinson allegedly engaged in vaginal intercourse with the victim, the warrant states.

On the charge of first-degree sexual exploitation, the warrant says Atkinson encouraged the minor to engage in sexual activity “…performed oral sex on the defendant for a live performance….”

Authorities said they received consent from Atkinson to search his cell phone and reportedly found videotaped evidence of the alleged assault. The phone was seized as evidence.

The warrant also states the victim is in the guardianship of the Johnston County Department of Social Services. Authorities confirmed the Department of Social Services removed the child from the group home after the incident was reported.

Atkinson is being held under a $200,000 secured bond. If he is able to post bail, a judge has ordered the defendant to stay away from the victim and not communicate with them, directly or indirectly.

We reached out to Savin Grace for a comment. A person who answered the phone declined to give their name but stated Atkinson was terminated and is no longer an employee. They declined to offer any further comment about the alleged incident.”

Group Home Employee Accused Of Having Sex With Juvenile Patient
[The Johnson County Report 6/3/24]

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