A Lanham, MD, woman who worked as a direct support professional was found guilty of second-degree abuse and neglect of a vulnerable adult after evidence revealed that she physically abused a nonverbal person in her care.
She received a five-year sentence with all but 94 days suspended, five years of supervised probation, and is barred from working with vulnerable adults.
According to a news release issued on Tuesday, December 16, “Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced that Taibat Fola Suenu, of Lanham, Maryland, was found guilty and sentenced for abuse and neglect of a vulnerable adult.” Suenu worked as a direct support professional, helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“This defendant abused a person who relied entirely on her for daily care and protection,” said Attorney General Brown. “Exploiting that kind of vulnerability is a profound betrayal of trust, and it will not be tolerated. Our Office will always protect vulnerable Marylanders and hold accountable anyone who harms those placed in their care.”
In December 2023, videos were sent anonymously to Suenu’s workplace showing Suenu slapping and beating the victim in the head and face. The video shows the nonverbal victim whimpering and recoiling from Suenu’s punches and slaps.
On September 10, 2025, the Honorable C. Todd M. Steuart of the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County found Suenu guilty of one count of second-degree abuse and neglect of a vulnerable adult. On December 12, 2025, the court sentenced Suenu to 5 years suspended, all but 94 days, 5 years supervised probation, and a ban on working as a caretaker or with vulnerable persons in any capacity.
Attorney General Brown praised Medicaid Fraud and Vulnerable Victims Unit Director Zak Shirley, Deputy Director Lisa Hyle Marts, Assistant Attorney General Louise Lock, and Investigator Antonnio Hopson for their efforts on this case.
The Maryland Office of the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud and Vulnerable Victims Unit receives 75% of its funding from the United States Department of Health and Human Services through a grant award of $6,845,828 for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. The remaining 25%, $2,281,939 for FY 2025, is provided by the state of Maryland.”
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