Woman charged with neglect after disabled daughter found 'in dire condition' in Etowah County

by Lynne Keenum

ETOWAH COUNTY, Ala. — An Etowah County woman has been charged for the neglect of her disabled daughter in the Egypt community.

After an investigation by the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR), Shana Bennett, 38, was arrested, according to the sheriff's office.

On February 21, DHR alerted the county about concerns of abuse and neglect of a severely disabled, nonverbal person on Sligo Road.

At the home, investigators said they found the young woman in dire condition. She was suffering from multiple pressure sores, breathing difficulties, and a feeding tube had not been maintained. Due to the critical nature of her health, emergency medical services transported her to UAB Hospital, where she was placed in the intensive care unit.

DHR petitioned the Etowah County Probate Court for an emergency placement and guardianship.

In a court hearing, Bennett admitted to the neglect of her daughter, and she was arrested. She was booked into the Etowah County Detention Center on a charge of felony neglect of a dependent. Her bond is set at $20,000.

"This is a heartbreaking case of neglect involving a vulnerable individual who depended entirely on others for her care," said Sheriff Horton. "We are grateful for the swift action taken by DHR and our investigators to intervene and ensure Savannah receives the care she so desperately needs."

The investigation is ongoing and the sheriff's office asks anyone with additional information about this case to contact them.

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Woman charged with neglect after disabled daughter found 'in dire condition' in Etowah County

York County Couple — Exercising Power of Attorney and Primary Caregiving Responsibilities — Charged with Neglect, Financial Exploitation of Elderly Woman

February 14, 2025 | Topic: Criminal

Victim was found alone, soiled, behind a dog gate in basement of her home

HARRISBURG — Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that a York County husband and wife have been charged with abandoning a care-dependent woman — the wife’s mother — in a basement, while the couple went on vacation.

Ashlee Brady and Brian Brady, each 32, of Hanover, are also charged with using the woman’s finances for their own personal expenses, including vacations and alcohol.

Ashlee was her mother’s power of attorney; Brian was the victim’s caregiver and was reimbursed with Medicaid funds through his employer.

Both are charged with financial exploitation of an older adult/care-dependent person, theft by deception, neglect of a care-dependent person, and conspiracy counts to commit all of the above listed crimes. Ashlee Brady is also charged with perjury and two counts of intimidation of a witness and Brian Brady is charged with four counts of Medicaid fraud.

“These alleged acts are truly disturbing on many levels — as these defendants were not only family, her own daughter and son-in-law, they were paid to look out for this victim’s best interests,” Attorney General Sunday said. “I commend the investigators who uncovered this cycle of abusive and exploitative conduct. My office will continue to stand up for Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable residents.”

In February 2024, the victim was found, alone, locked in the basement of her home. She was soiled and penned into a corner with a dog gate. She had been left with hot dogs and two cups of water. Emergency Medical Services found the victim after a relative called them for assistance.

An investigation determined that the defendants left the victim in the basement and took an overnight trip with their children. Further investigation uncovered alleged financial exploitation, as the defendants used more than $10,000 of the victim’s money on vacations, alcohol, and other activities not related to her care or upkeep.

Also, Brian allegedly submitted hours to his employer, for reimbursement from Medicaid, for services he did not provide the victim. Investigators determined that Ashlee Brady lied under oath about the abandonment incident, saying she made arrangements for a family member to watch the victim.

The Brady’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 27.

This case is being prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Christopher R. Sherwood. Criminal charges, and any discussion thereof, are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The Pennsylvania Medicaid Fraud Control Unit receives 75 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award totaling $12,839,940 for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2025. The remaining 25 percent, totaling $4,279,979 for FY 2025, is funded by Pennsylvania.

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York County Couple — Exercising Power of Attorney and Primary Caregiving Responsibilities — Charged with Neglect, Financial Exploitation of Elderly Woman

Nursing Home Staff Member Charged with Neglect

October 9, 2023

LANSING – Jessica Struhar, 26, of Macomb County was arraigned last week in the 42nd District Court in Romeo on one count each of 2nd degree Vulnerable Adult Abuse and Intentionally Placing False Information in a Medical Record, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Each count is a four-year felony.  

The Department of Attorney General alleges that during Struhar’s employment in 2021 as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at Medilodge of Richmond, a skilled nursing facility, she ignored multiple standing orders in relation to a 58-year-old resident’s plan of care during mealtime. Her alleged neglect led to a choking incident at the facility, ultimately resulting in the death of the resident. Additionally, CNA Struhar is alleged to have made several false medical records entries about the victim’s care while he was receiving life-saving care from EMS and hospital personnel. 

“The overwhelming majority of those who provide long-term care in Michigan do so with integrity and respect for their important role,” said Nessel. “But when there is a serious breach in the responsibility entrusted to them, there are criminal consequences, and my office will seek accountability.”  

Struhar was arraigned on Friday October 6th before Judge Jennifer Andary. She is next due in court for a Probable Cause Conference on October 17th.  

The Department of Attorney General’s Health Care Fraud Division receives 75% of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award totaling $5,196,188 for the fiscal year 2023. The remaining 25% percent, totaling $1,732,061, is funded by the State of Michigan.

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Please note: A criminal charge is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The Department of Attorney General does not provide booking photos.

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Nursing Home Staff Member Charged with Neglect