South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced on Mar. 19 that additional arrest warrants have been served on Cynthia Kelly and Reginald Kelly, who were previously charged with neglect resulting in death. The new charges follow an investigation by the Vulnerable Adults and Medicaid Provider Fraud unit (VAMPF), which identified another victim whose death occurred while under the Kellys’ care at the Park Circle Home Community Residential Care Facility.
The case is significant as it highlights ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable adults in care facilities across South Carolina. The Attorney General’s office said the couple failed to provide essential care, goods, or services needed for residents’ health and safety between November 9, 2024, and December 5, 2024. This included basic necessities such as food, clothing, medication, shelter, supervision, and medical care. Investigators allege that this neglect created a substantial risk of physical injury and contributed to a resident’s death.
During a search warrant executed on March 3, investigators also found evidence of criminal neglect involving a third individual who suffered great bodily harm between February 24 and March 3. Cynthia Kelly now faces additional charges related to these findings; Reginald Kelly faces one more charge as well. The South Carolina Office of the Attorney General will prosecute the case.
Attorney General Wilson said all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. “All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty in a court of law,” Wilson said.
The South Carolina Attorney General supports victims of crime through advocacy and resources, contributing to community safety according to the official website. The office operates as the state’s primary legal advocate and enforcer, handling prosecutions and regulations according to its official website. Wilson has served as head of the office according to its official website, which extends operations statewide according to its official website.
The Attorney General’s office also enforces laws related to securities and consumer protection according to its official website and collaborates with state law enforcement agencies on criminal prosecutions according to its official website.
Looking ahead, VAMPF will continue investigating cases involving Medicaid provider fraud or abuse in assisted living facilities or nursing homes. The unit receives most of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for federal fiscal year 2026.
