WALB is working to produce a video for this story. In the meantime, we encourage you to watch our livestream.

ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — A former foster care employee and grandmother was arrested and charged with cruelty to children and battery after allegedly abusing her grandchild.

According to a Dougherty County Police Department incident report, Troychelle Gaines, 67, allegedly beat her 4-year-old grandson with a belt at her home in Albany while the child was in her care for the weekend.

The child’s mother told police she discovered bright red bruising on the 4-year-old’s body after picking him up from Gaines’ home. A second grandchild was also present, according to the report.

The report stated the child told his mother Gaines gave him a “spanking” because the child was using profanity.

The mother took the child to Prestige Pediatrics, where a doctor observed the injuries and reported the incident to the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFACS), according to the incident report.

DFACS responded and Dougherty County Police (DCPD) investigators took over the case. DCPD released a statement on the matter Tuesday afternoon.

“Our department investigates all reports involving children thoroughly and in accordance with state law and established policies. We work closely with the Dougherty County District Attorney’s Office, the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services, local school systems, medical professionals and child advocacy organizations to ensure cases are handled with care, urgency and accountability.

Our message to families in Dougherty County is clear: the safety of our children is our highest priority. Every report involving a child is taken seriously and investigated fully. We partner with schools, child advocacy professionals and family services agencies to ensure strong safeguards are in place. Protecting children is not just a response — it is an ongoing commitment.

We remain committed to transparency, accountability and working alongside our community to ensure every child in Dougherty County is safe, supported and given the opportunity to thrive."

A close family member told WALB that Gaines is a former foster care transport employee.

Troychelle Gaines, 67, faces the following charges:

• Two counts of Cruelty to Children – 1st Degree
• Two counts of Battery
• Cruelty to Children – Allow Child to Witness Act – 3rd Degree

Court documents show Gaines bonded out of jail on a $5,000 bond. The investigation is ongoing.

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Copyright 2026 WALB. All rights reserved.