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By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

COLUMBIANA – James Thomas Moss, a 62-year-old from Wilsonville, is the second individual to be arrested and charged for the alleged neglect and abuse of an intellectually disabled adult.

In September, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office received a report alleging an adult female with an intellectual disability was being abused by another family member serving as a caregiver.

The SCSO investigated the complaint with the assistance of the Alabama Department of Human Resources and Owens House Advocacy Center. A court order was obtained to remove the victim from the home while additional information could be gathered on the case.

According to court records, around Sept. 1, the victim was allegedly bound to a piece of furniture leading to an arm injury and malnourishment.

On Dec. 10, Cora June Morris, a 69-year-old from Wilsonville, was arrested by patrol deputies with a warrant for the felony neglect/abuse of a disabled adult. Morris was booked into the Shelby County Jail on Dec. 10 and was released later that day on a $15,000 bond.

After further investigation, another person was identified and arrested for the same charge. James Thomas Moss was arrested on Dec. 12 and placed in the Shelby County Jail on a $15,000 bond before posting bail the same day. According to court records, on or about June 1, 2021, the victim was allegedly restrained to a patio for a period of time which led to wrist injuries.

Investigation into the case is considered ongoing and the sheriff’s office ask that anyone with additional information call the SCSO at 205-670-6000. An anonymous tip may also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777 on the website at Crimestoppermetroal.com.