ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL ANNOUNCES WINNEBAGO COUNTY MAN CHARGED WITH NEGLECT

Chicago — Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced the indictment of a Winnebago County man for failing to provide personal assistant services to his mother, who died as a result.

Patrick Davis, 32, was charged in Winnebago County Circuit Court with two counts of criminal abuse or neglect of a person with a disability. According to Raoul’s indictment, Davis was a personal assistant for his mother, Joanna Davis, but neglected to care for her, which ultimately resulted in her death. As a personal assistant, Davis was paid by the Illinois Department of Human Services to provide services that would allow his disabled mother to reside at home. If convicted, Davis faces up to 14 years in prison. His bond is set at $25,000 and his next court date is scheduled for Sept. 26.

“To neglect someone whose well-being depends upon the services provided by a personal assistant is disgraceful. But it is absolutely outrageous that the defendant intentionally ignored the care needed by his mother, instead allowing her to suffer and ultimately die,” Raoul said. “I am committed to holding him and other individuals accountable who abuse and neglect some of our vulnerable residents.”

Davis was a personal assistant to his disabled mother Joanna Davis. Raoul alleged that between May 11, 2016 and Jan. 11, 2017, Davis intentionally neglected his mother, failing to provide care that was vital to her health and wellness. Over the course of several months, Raoul alleged, Davis neglected to care for Joanna Davis by depriving her of proper hygiene, and failing to turn her in bed to avoid developing bedsores. Joanna Davis died on Jan. 13, 2017 at the age of 58. According to the medical examiner’s autopsy report, Joanna Davis suffered from multiple skin ulcers, contracted sepsis, and died as a result.

The case was investigated by the Illinois State Police Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.

“Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to those that loved Joanna,” Acting Illinois State Police (ISP) Director Brendan Kelly said. “The Illinois State Police Medicaid Fraud Control Bureau will continue to aggressively investigate these cases and work with the Attorney General to ensure those who commit these crimes are brought to justice.”

The public is reminded that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Individuals who believe they or someone they know is the victim of abuse or neglect should contact the Attorney General’s office at 312 814-1624 or the Illinois State Police at 888-557-9503.

Assistant Attorneys General Melissa Guske and Rob Sparano are handling the case for Raoul’s Medicaid Fraud Bureau.

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