Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
- Samuel Scott Vest, 49, is facing abuse of a vulnerable adult and drug-related charges.
- He allegedly gave meth to a woman in rehab, worsening her condition.
CEDAR CITY — An Iron County man was charged Wednesday with administering meth to a woman while she was under the care of a rehabilitation facility and after she had previously suffered a stroke believed to be caused by meth use.
Samuel Scott Vest, 49, of Newcastle, Iron County, is charged in 5th District Court with aggravated abuse of a vulnerable adult and drug possession with intent to distribute, second-degree felonies.
On Feb. 5, Vest took a woman from the Cedar Health and Rehab Facility out "for an off-property visit." When she returned, it was reported that the woman "was off and acting more tired than usual," according to charging documents.
A drug test was requested and showed the "amount of methamphetamine in her system was 10 times the amount of a normal user," the charges state.
"The rehab facility informed me they do not administer any medications that would give any positive reading for illicit drugs. It was reported to me by the medical staff at the rehab facility that the victim's movements are restricted and limited" due to her having a stroke caused by prior meth use, according to charging documents. "The victim is only able to use one arm and is bound to a wheelchair and is assisted around the facility by staff. The restricted movement of the victim's arm makes it difficult for the victim to care for themselves such as eating and administering medications."
Investigators say Vest has been the woman's only visitor and that it is common for him not to follow proper check-in and check-out procedures.
"Due to the totality of the circumstances with Samuel Vest being the only visitor and being a known methamphetamine user, there is reason to believe that Samuel Vest gave or administered methamphetamine to the victim," the charges state.
