A West Rome woman, Talya Nachisa Pollard, 45, has been sentenced to two years in prison after being convicted of abandoning three adults with intellectual disabilities outside their group home during a cold January night.
Pollard was sentenced by Floyd County Superior Court Chief Judge John “Jack” Niedrach to not only the two years, but also 18 years of probation, pay a $3,000 fine and complete 240 hours of community service.
Pollard was convicted by a jury July 14 on three counts each of felony exploitation or intimidation of a disabled adult and false imprisonment.
Prosecutors said Pollard left despite knowing the residents could not safely get out of the vehicle.
Pollard disputed parts of the allegations, saying she notified co-workers that the residents were in the van and left the vehicle running to keep them warm. She said she left to avoid a confrontation with her supervisor and maintained that she cared deeply for the residents.
Pollard’s attorney, Jeremy Salter, said the defense plans to appeal the conviction, citing several issues he intends to raise before an appellate court.
PREVIOUS January 23 2026
Talya Nachisa Pollard, 45 of Rome, was arrested this week after reports said she left two disabled adults inside a vehicle that was not running for a long period of time.
Reports stated that the victims were found approximately an hour and a half later.
Reports added that the victims were found scared and confused and had to be assisted inside their group home.
Pollard is charged with two counts exploitation and intimidation of the disabled.
