Care giver charged for abuse of elderly patient

On March 9, 2018, Sheriff Troy Peterson announced the arrest of 39 year old James Joseph Tauzin who resides in the 20300 Block of 28^th St. Long Beach, MS, on a two felony charges of Felonious Infliction of Injury to a Vulnerable Adult.

According to Sheriff Troy Peterson, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department began investigating a complaint of a welfare concern on March 9, 2018 in which a 61 year old male had been severely injured and required immediate medical attention. During the investigation it was discovered that the victim had been thrown to the ground by his care giver James Tauzin on or about February 12, 2018 and as a result of the assault, the victim received a broken arm. It was also discovered that on or about February 19, 2018, Tauzin again threw the victim to the ground which resulted in the victim receiving a broken hip. It was also discovered that during both assaults, Tauzin did not render any medical aid, did not call for medical assistance and would not allow the victim himself to reach out for assistance.

Sheriff Peterson advised that the victim was located after family members began to initiate a missing person’s report after not having contact with the victim for four weeks. Deputies responded to the 28^th street address in an attempt to locate the victim at which time, the victim was found in medical distress. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he is being treated and is listed in stable condition. However, surgical procedures will be required to repair the broken bones. Additional charges are expected as the investigation continues.

James Joseph Tauzin was booked into the Harrison County Adult Detention Facility and charged with 2 counts of Felonious Infliction of Injury to a Vulnerable Adult.  Tauzin is being held in lieu of a One Hundred Thousand dollar bond set by Justice Court Louis D. Ladner.

Tauzin has already been arrested by the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department in 2011, the Hancock County Sheirff’s Department in 2011, and the Long Beach Police Department in 2012.