Samuel Rhoad
An investigation by special agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has resulted in the indictment of two former Knoxville caregivers on neglect charges involving a disabled man.
In December 2015, TBI special agents with the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit were contacted by Adult Protect Services and the Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities concerning allegations of neglect involving a 68-year-old male victim. The investigation revealed that in June 2015, the victim was placed in the primary care of Samuel Rhoad, which was facilitated through Evergreen Life Services in Knoxville. The victim resided in the residence of Rhoad and Belinda Ebeling, both of whom worked for Evergreen Life Services at the time. Further investigation revealed that between June, 2015 and December, 2015, Rhoad and Ms. Ebeling failed to provide proper care for the victim. The victim was hospitalized as a result of his condition and later died.
On Nov. 30, the Knox County Grand Jury returned indictments charging Rhoad, 54, and Ms. Ebeling, 42, with two counts of willful abuse, neglect or exploitation of an adult and one count of physical abuse or gross negligence. On Monday, both were booked into the Knox County Jail and released on a $15,000 bond.
Belinda Ebeling