Former Caretaker Charged Following Investigation Into Disabled Care Incident
Merrillville- Raven Simone Gaines, a 31-year-old Gary woman and former caretaker, has been charged with multiple felony counts following an investigation by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office into allegations that a disabled adult in her care was assaulted and that multiple disabled residents were left unattended inside a Merrillville residence.
According to court documents, the incident occurred on October 18, 2025, at approximately 8:00 a.m., at a residence in the 700 block of West 70th Place. Gaines was employed as a caretaker responsible for supervising non-verbal autistic adults who require constant, around-the-clock care and supervision.
The probable cause affidavit states that surveillance video captured Gaines sitting on a living room couch when a disabled resident walked up to her. Gaines is accused of kicking the resident very hard around the kneecap area, then standing up, balling her hand into a fist, and striking him in the chest with enough force to cause him to fall backward into a wall. The impact of the strike could be heard on video, and the resident appeared to be in pain.
The affidavit further documents that Gaines used profanity toward the resident during the incident, with video capturing her telling him to “Go sit down” while physically pushing him away with her leg and repeatedly yelling “Move!” As the resident continued to follow her, Gaines was heard stating to someone on the phone, “Yeah, that’s what I just told her. I’m leaving. I don’t give a fuck. Like, y’all, y’all be trippin on me when I call off for anything else so I’m, I’m waitin on my ride now.” After the resident fell back into the wall, the affidavit states Gaines returned toward him and yelled in his face, telling him, “Go downstairs!” before stating, “Yo ass irritating as fuck.”
Court records state that Gaines then left the residence, closing the door behind her, and left three disabled residents unattended for approximately 15 minutes until the next employee arrived for their shift.
Supervisors told investigators that the residents are non-verbal autistic adults with the mental capacity of a two- or three-year-old and are never permitted to be left unattended by staff. One supervisor stated the residents require 24/7 supervision because they could hurt themselves or others, and that a resident “could burn the house down in just a few minutes” if left alone.
During a later phone call with investigators, Gaines declined to provide a formal statement but later called back and stated the employee after her was mad and trying to get her in trouble. She stated she never left the building and was just outside. Gaines also stated that if the resident was going to constantly put his hands on her, then she would grab him by the arm to get him to stop putting his hands on her.
Court documents state no injuries were reported, and Gaines’ employment was terminated following the incident.
Lodged in the Lake County Jail on December 13,2025.
Charges filed December 10,2025:
• Battery by Bodily Waste; Victim is Mentally or Physically Disabled in Defendant’s Care — Level 6 Felony (2 counts)
• Neglect of a Dependent; Defendant Places Dependent in a Situation That Endangers the Dependent — Level 6 Felony (3 counts)
