Involuntary manslaughter for elder financial abuse?
A Napa woman was sentenced Wednesday to seven years in state prison for stealing more than $100,000 from the elderly couple under her care. Maria Mendez, who was an unpermitted caregiver, was sentenced under a plea agreement reached in March. She pleaded no contest to 10 counts of financial elder abuse and three misdemeanors for being a caregiver in Napa County without a permit.
“The greatest theft of all, however, was our father’s life. There is absolutely no doubt that her treachery hastened his death.”
https://napavalleyregister.com/news/local/caregiver-sentenced-to-prison-for-elder-theft/article_6142b8a4-dd7d-5af0-9456-4ac97e8be290.html
There is research showing that elder financial abuse directly shortens lifespan. Could this be prosecuted as involuntary manslaughter? Death of victim while perpetrating a felony? If the victim dies from elder abuse (physical), it increases the sentence in California. Chances for recidivism in financial abusers are high and restitution to the victim, or their estate, is minimal. The stakes need to be raised, and the punishments made more effective.
I’d like to hear your thoughts and what other states are doing.
Registered Nurse at Banner Health
9 年Kaitlin
Arizona's Ai-Cop: Officer ? Writer ? Professor ?
9 年That might work. I would like to see someone charge it.