Columbus man arrested for alleged sexual misconduct of Troup Co. methadone clinic patients
A Columbus man who worked at a methadone treatment clinic in Troup County has been arrested on charges for alleged sexual misconduct involving patients, according to a news release from the Georgia Attorney General’s Office.
Roderick Branscomb, 49, served as a program director of a methadone treatment clinic in LaGrange from April 2021 to November 2023, according to the release.
An indictment linked to the news release identified Branscomb as having been an employee of Crossroads Treatment Center in LaGrange.
“Over the course of his employment, Branscomb is alleged to have engaged in sexual misconduct with seven female patients who sought treatment from the clinic,” the release states.
The release says Branscomb has been indicted in Troup County on multiple sex-related charges:
Nine counts of improper sexual conduct by an employee in the first degree
Four counts of improper sexual Conduct by an employee in the second degree
Four counts of sexual battery
One count of simple battery
Three counts of pandering.
The release says this arrest comes after a yearlong investigation involving multiple agencies, including the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Division, FBI Atlanta, the DEA Atlanta Division and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General.
“Those who are struggling with addiction and brave enough to seek help should not be victimized when they’re at their most vulnerable,” Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr said in the release.
“The opioid epidemic has stolen far too many lives throughout our state, and any provider who seeks to take advantage of Georgians in recovery will be held accountable,” Carr said. “We cannot overstate how proud we are of these women for the courage they have shown throughout this process, and we will continue fighting each day to ensure that justice is served.”
Crossroads Treatment Centers provided a statement Thursday saying the organization was aware of the indictment.
“Mr. Branscomb is a former employee and has not been affiliated with our organization since 2023,” Crossroads said. “We have and will continue to cooperate fully with authorities throughout the investigation and assist with the conclusion of any legal proceedings.
“While there has been no alleged wrongdoing by Crossroads as an organization, we take patient and employee safety extremely seriously. Crossroads conducts background screens, reference checks, licensure verifications, and other reviews as part of our hiring process, including with respect to the individual in question. We have a long legacy of providing high-quality care in Georgia, and we remain committed to ensuring successful, safe substance use disorder treatment for all the patients and families who depend on us.”
This story was originally published October 15, 2024 at 2:00 PM.