A 24-year-old Rockwall memory care worker was arrested after police said he had sexual contact with a 67-year-old resident on four occasions while she was living at two different care facilities.
Zachary Daylon Yoakum was arrested on August 15 and faces four counts of aggravated sexual assault, each a first-degree felony, according to the Rockwall Police Department. His bond was set at $400,000.
The investigation began on August 13 after family members contacted police with concerns about a possible sexual relationship between Yoakum and the woman, authorities said.
What Police Say Happened
The woman had been hospitalized in July following a psychosis episode and was subsequently diagnosed with dementia, according to an arrest affidavit. She was placed at Village Green Memory Care Community Center in Rockwall on July 16, where Yoakum worked.
The woman’s daughter later discovered text messages and phone records involving her mother and Yoakum, raising concerns about the nature of their relationship.
The woman was subsequently moved to Rock Ridge Assisted Living & Memory Care on August 10. The following day, facility staff notified her daughter that a young man had attempted to visit the woman.
The daughter asked whether the visitor was Yoakum and, after staff confirmed it, asked that he be removed from the facility, according to police. The affidavit states he later returned and was again asked to leave.
Alleged Sexual Encounters
During interviews with investigators, the woman said Yoakum told her that he loved her and wanted to marry her. She also told police that he gave her code words to conceal their relationship.
According to the affidavit, the woman acknowledged having sexual contact with Yoakum four times between August 1 and August 10.
Three of the alleged encounters occurred at Village Green, where Yoakum was employed. The fourth allegedly occurred after the woman had been transferred to Rock Ridge.
In one incident described in the affidavit, Yoakum allegedly put his hands down the woman’s pants while they were in a public garden near one of the facilities.
Investigators said the woman had difficulty recalling specific dates because of her dementia. Police nevertheless determined that the alleged incidents occurred during the 10-day period.
The affidavit indicates that the woman underwent a sexual assault examination, but it does not provide the results.
Investigation Continues
Police said investigators developed probable cause for four aggravated sexual assault charges based on the investigation.
Yoakum was arrested on August 15 and booked into the Rockwall County Jail.
The woman’s name has not been released, and investigators used a pseudonym for her in the arrest affidavit.
The case remains under investigation.
Provided by Dallas Express
