3 arrested for ‘torturing’ disabled woman in statewide probe.

Developmentally Disabled Woman Tortured to Death by Caregivers

New Mexico’s top prosecutor, Attorney General Raúl Torrez, has described the treatment of a 38-year-old developmentally disabled woman as “torture” after she died at the hands of caregivers who were paid thousands of dollars a month through a special program meant to offer an alternative to institutional care.

Torrez detailed the woman’s injuries during a news conference, saying she died last month after being found in the back of a van as the caregivers tried to take her to Mexico so her wounds could be treated. “The abuse and neglect that she endured was horrific, and the injuries she sustained are among the worst I have seen in my career as a prosecutor,” Torrez said. “This was torture. There’s really no other word for it.”

Three people were arrested and charged with abuse and neglect following an investigation that began with the stop at the U.S.-Mexico border in April. The case spurred a statewide review of New Mexico’s entire developmentally disabled waiver system. Social workers spent weeks conducting individual wellness checks on thousands of developmentally disabled people who receive care through the federally funded waiver program.

More allegations of possible abuse and neglect were turned up, and the state Health Department canceled contracts with four providers in the Albuquerque area.

• Angelita Rene Chacon, 52, and Patricia Hurtado, 42, both of Rio Rancho, face counts of abuse or neglect of a resident resulting in death.
• Clovis resident Luz Scott, an acquaintance of the 38-year-old woman, has been charged with false imprisonment and conspiracy to commit false imprisonment.

According to the Attorney General’s Office, Chacon and Hurtado contracted with At Home Advocacy and three other contractors to provide supplemental care for the alleged victim. They were receiving about $5,000 a month under the waiver program to care for her.

Prosecutors say a preliminary review of available business records indicate that At Home Advocacy received nearly $250,000 to coordinate care and support for the alleged victim in the three years before her death.

Authorities said the woman who died was severely dehydrated and drugged when she was found in the van. She also had numerous open wounds, bedsores with exposed bone and bruises and lacerations on various parts of her body. Law enforcement also described marks consistent with her being restrained for a prolonged period of time.

New Mexico Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and top health officials had warned that any caregivers who mistreat and abuse developmentally disabled or otherwise vulnerable people would be held accountable. Republican legislative leaders also requested that the federal government investigate, saying an independent inquiry would ensure transparency and might prevent such cases in the future.