Vermont couple sentenced for neglecting vulnerable adult, Medicaid fraud
Prosecutors said a vulnerable woman with dementia in their care died as a result of negligence.
Prosecutors said a vulnerable woman with dementia in their care died as a result of negligence.
Two former Morrisville residents were sentenced on Wednesday after they pleaded guilty to charges including neglect that resulted in a woman's death.
Attorney General Charity Clark's Office said 34-year-old Joshua Jones and 34-year-old Britney Spaulding, both of Lynchburg, Virginia were hired to care for two vulnerable adults entrusted to their care, including a 71-year-old woman who later died.
Prosecutors said the woman lived in the couple's home and was completely dependent on them for dressing, using the bathroom, and mobility. An investigation revealed that Jones was her primary caregiver but left the woman immobile in her bed and soaked in urine, which eventually lead to a fatal infection.
Officials said Spaulding received Medicaid payments for care that she did not provide. The couple also filed fraudulent claims for services delivered to the two adults in their care.
Earlier this year, Jones pleaded guilty to a felony count of neglect of a vulnerable adult with death resulting as well as Medicaid Fraud. He was sentenced to serve three years in jail and 10 years of probation.
Spaulding pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of neglect of a vulnerable adult and two counts of misdemeanor false pretenses. She was sentenced to a suspended jail sentence, 10-year probation, and 250 hours of community service.
Both are also prohibited from working with vulnerable adults and will not be able to receive funds from federal health care programs for at least five years.