NORTHAMPTON CO. (WOLF) — A Northampton County caregiver is facing felony charges after investigators allege she failed to obtain medical treatment for a care-dependent woman whose untreated wounds ultimately led to her death.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced Monday that Susan Edwards, 59, of Pen Argyl, has been charged with two felony counts involving neglect and endangering the welfare of a care-dependent person.
The victim, a 51-year-old woman with Down syndrome, was found dead inside Edwards’ home on Oct. 15, 2023.
According to an investigation by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Section, the woman died from septic complications caused by untreated pressure ulcers.
Investigators said a wound-care expert determined the wounds had been present for more than four weeks and would have been noticeable to a caregiver.
Edwards was a Lifesharing provider through Access Services and was responsible for assisting the woman with daily activities, including meals, hygiene, medical care and transportation to medical appointments. She was also required to monitor the woman’s health and report significant changes to Access Services.
Authorities allege Edwards failed to notify the organization that she was unable to provide appropriate care so another caregiver could be arranged.
Investigators also determined that multiple medical appointments were canceled or delayed while the woman’s condition deteriorated.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, Edwards told investigators she knew about the wounds for several weeks but attempted to treat them herself rather than seek professional medical care.
Investigators further allege that on the day the victim died, Edwards left her in the care of another resident who also had an intellectual or developmental disability.
“Every Pennsylvanian deserves to be treated with dignity and receive the care they need — and this case involves a blatant neglect of care that led to death,” Sunday said.
Edwards was arrested and released on $50,000 unsecured bail. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 19.
The case is being prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Christopher R. Sherwood.