Ava Washington, 47, faces charges of wanton abuse or neglect of an adult after her husband reported her striking her vulnerable father, who has dementia. The incident came to light through a recording provided to authorities in Hardin County, Kentucky. Washington was arrested in December and released days ago ahead of her October trial.
Ava Washington, 47, of Kentucky has been charged with wanton abuse or neglect of an adult, according to jail records. Her husband called the Hardin County Sheriff's Office on October 2, 2025, to report the abuse of her father, for whom she was the primary caregiver. Authorities arrested Washington in December, and she was released from the Hardin County Detention Center in Elizabethtown days ago. Her trial is scheduled for October 13 in Hardin County Circuit Court. Washington provided a recording to police showing her father sitting on the edge of a bed, attempting to dress himself. In the footage, she yelled at him and struck him in the groin area with the back of her hand at least twice, possibly three times, per the arrest citation. Hardin County Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Teresa Logsdon described the incident, noting Washington's belief that the allegations stem from retaliation. Logsdon added that caregiving was inadequate, with complaints that the father was found sitting in his own feces and urine, had feces under his fingernails, and ate with his hands. The father has since been placed in state care. Washington's attorney stated she has a strong chance of acquittal and highlighted her health issues during detention.