Caretaker sentenced for neglecting dependent

Bradford County, Pa. — A New York woman will spend several months behind bars after police discovered the man she was paid to take care of was starving and living in filth.

Just one week after police discovered the horrific conditions and transported the man to the hospital, he died — partially due to the neglect, his doctor concluded.

Desiree Lee Rolls, 27, Owego, NY, will now serve four to 18 months in the Bradford County Correctional Facility for felony endangering the welfare of a care dependent person following an investigation last February.

Trooper Matthew Santiago investigated the complaints about the care Rolls provided to the victim in Columbia Township. Rolls was being paid by Caregivers of America to provide care, including helping clean, shop for groceries, bathing, and other help around the house. Instead, multiple witnesses came forward and said Rolls would often park outside the house and sit or sleep in her car without ever entering the house.

"The victim would often relate that he had not eaten because Rolls never showed up for work," Santiago said.

Despite failing to provide care, Rolls continued to submit time cards to the agency, along with reports saying she had done the work.