Abusers get jail time

Boutte woman gets 10 years for abusing elderly man and Luling woman gets 8 years for child abuse

Simone Harris, 26, Luling (right) and Medgra Bailey, 39, Luling

Last Thursday, a Boutte woman received 10 years in the Louisiana Department of Corrections for maltreatment and theft of an elderly man in her care. On the same day, a Luling woman received 8 years for hurting a child.

Medgra Bailey, 39, of Luling pled guilty to three counts: cruelty to the infirmed, exploitation of the infirmed and forgery. The guilty plea stems from a December 7, 2004 arrest, as Bailey was supposed to be caring for an elderly man from Luling. The man was bedridden and needed continual care and supervision.

According to St. Charles Parish Police reports, in 2004, when detectives entered Huff's residence Bailey was not there, but her slippers were found hastily left outside the victim's residence and her purse and cell phone were still on the kitchen table, leaving impression to detectives that she fled the scene.

The victim was found disoriented and lying in his own waste and his house was in disrepair, as spoiled food was found sitting on the stove. Bailey had been hired to look after the victim for two years.

The victim's daughter became suspicious after repeatedly trying to call her father only to be told by Bailey that he did wish to speak with her. After which, she alerted authorities to the suspicion behavior.

In addition the mistreatment, Bailey had been forging checks from the victim's account. In addition to the 10 years, of which two were suspended, Bailey must make restitution of $20,000.

In an unrelated case, Simone Harris, 26, Luling, pled guilty to second degree cruelty to a juvenile. Police were notified by St. Charles Parish Hospital officials that a child in the care of Harris had been severely abused. After being brought to the hospital, it was determined through a examination that the 22-month old child was bleeding from the liver and had approximately 17 fractures, including a fractured skull. The child was transported to Children's Hospital in New Orleans.

After pleading guilty, Harris received 8 years, of which 4 are suspended, in the Louisiana Department of Corrections. She was also ordered by authorities to attend parenting and anger management classes. Harris was arrested and in custody since April 15, 2005. After serving her time, Harris will have 4 years of probation.

"No criminal behavior is tolerable, but these two crimes represent reprehensible acts of cruelty to members of society who are especially vulnerable to the unlawful acts of others," said St. Charles Parish District Attorney Harry J. Morel, Jr., adding, "Activity such as this will not be tolerated in this parish, and myself and my staff work diligently to see that these offenders are brought to justice." Each case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Michael Weinberg.