Prison Sentence for Criminal Neglect

WRDW reported the prison sentence for a long term care facility owner. Not only did Estelle Amelia Hutchinson run an unlicensed care home, but she also forced residents to be locked in rooms without access to basic needs. While an unlicensed facility is bad enough, as it skirts health and safety regulations, the residents were also denied food, medicine, clothing, and shelter as they needed it. They also lacked supervision, medical services, and a safe way to exit.

The crime was uncovered when a malfunctioning natural gas heater caused a buildup of fumes inside the building, causing the residents to evacuate and the fire department to be called. Fortunately, the owners were kind enough to allow the residents to escape the gas leak. When firefighters encountered the abused residents, they were immediately taken into emergency protective custody.

Hutchinson received five years in prison for criminal conspiracy, neglect of a vulnerable adult, and operating a community residential care home without a license. Her co-conspirator received 3 years with two years of probation.

The most disappointing part of this entire affair is what it says about the state of long-term care in the U.S. The licensed long-term care facilities already put in place are not realistic options for many Americans, yet the need for senior care is so great that adults subject themselves to the sort of care that ends up with two women being assigned 3-5 years in prison.

Just following Trump’s lead, I guess. Trump has pardoned Rudy Giuliani and others for involvement in the “Alternate Electors of 2020” fraudulent scheme to overturn the 2020 election.