Man Arrested for Elder Abuse After 911 Call from Victim’s Home
A Marion County man has been arrested and charged with elder abuse following a disturbing incident involving his elderly grandmother. Jason Navarro Jr., recently discharged from the U.S. Army, was taken into custody after deputies responded to a suspicious 911 call from his grandmother’s home.
Deputies arrived at the residence following a hang-up 911 call. Upon their arrival, they encountered Navarro, who informed them that he was staying with his grandmother. He allowed the deputy into the home, where they found the victim hiding in the bathroom, visibly shaken and fearful.
The victim, who is over 65 years old, alleged that her grandson’s behavior had become increasingly erratic since he moved in after Labor Day. She reported incidents where Navarro threatened her with a knife, dragged the blade across her leg, and waved a gun around the house. She recounted one particularly chilling moment when Navarro pointed a gun—belonging to her late husband—at her multiple times, leaving her in fear for her life.
In addition to the physical threats, the victim described Navarro’s emotional abuse. He allegedly prevented her from eating, laughed at her struggles to care for his dog, and even exposed himself to her, adding to her distress. She told deputies she had lost weight since he moved in, attributing it to the stress and fear she felt living with him.
Navarro denied any serious wrongdoing but declined to speak further after being read his Miranda rights. He admitted to occasional cannabis use for anxiety but claimed he did not suffer from PTSD or any other mental health issues following his discharge from the military.
The victim expressed that she felt like a prisoner in her own home due to Navarro’s behavior. Despite the fear she has lived under, she will remain in the residence. Navarro was transported to the Marion County Jail, and a trespass order was issued, barring him from returning to the property.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of elderly individuals and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding their well-being. Navarro faces charges of elder abuse and assault on a person over 65.
