Advantage Behavioral workplace assault and wrongful removal

My name is Jonathan Gonzalez, and I served as the Security Site Supervisor at the Crisis Center for Advantage Behavioral in Athens, GA. I am writing to report a serious incident involving an on-duty assault and what I believe to be wrongful and retaliatory removal from my position afterward.

On Thursday, October 23, at approximately 11:45 AM, while stationed in the Crisis Services Unit (CSU), I was preparing to escort patients outside for scheduled outdoor time. During this period, a patient attacked a Behavioral Intervention Specialist (BIS) staff member, repeatedly headbutting him after attempting to steal the tablet used for rounds.

I immediately intervened, restraining the patient and escorting him to his room. Shortly after, I was called by the charge nurse to assist two BIS staff members who were being threatened by the same patient. When I approached to de-escalate, the patient charged at me. He grabbed my face, scratched near my eyes, and pulled my nose in an attempt to gouge my left eye. No staff intervened to assist, and I had to call my security partner for backup. I sustained facial injuries.

Despite being told someone would take my official statement, no one ever did. I was absent until Sunday, October 26 due to my injuries. Upon returning, I was informed that I would not be allowed in the CSU because my presence might “trigger” the patient.

On Tuesday, October 28, I was informed by my Operations Manager that I was being removed from the site due to an unrelated incident involving a patient at the Crisis Walk-In. That incident stemmed from a patient voluntarily disclosing to the Nurse Practitioner that he had a small knife in his pocket. Security staff are not permitted to search patient pockets due to policy and HIPAA regulations. Despite this, Program Director Jessica Wiggs falsely claimed security “is supposed to check pockets” and requested my removal—although the incident had nothing to do with me.

The following day, Ms. Wiggs reportedly changed her explanation, claiming my removal was tied to the October 23 assault and alleging I was not “on the clock” at the time—which is false. I have been updated about what is being said to other staff members,they are saying the incident with the knife is the reason I've been removed,which is also a false report.

These inconsistent and conflicting reasons, coupled with the lack of support following an on-duty assault, strongly suggest retaliatory and discriminatory action. Throughout my employment I maintained a record of professionalism and leadership. I was replaced by an officer with multiple prior complaints, a history of walking off duty, and repeated unprofessional conduct.

I am submitting this statement to ensure my experience is documented accurately and publicly. I was assaulted while performing my duties, received no assistance from staff, and was subsequently removed under false pretenses shortly after sustaining an injury. I believe my removal was discriminatory and retaliatory.

Jonathan Gonzalez

Former Security Site Supervisor

Advantage Behavioral Crisis Center