PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Two Philadelphia women are accused of neglecting the man in their care, who is quadriplegic.
Rashina and Jasmine Long are charged with felony neglect and assault of the victim as well as Medicaid fraud, according to the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.
Rashina Long is the victim’s mother. Jasmine Long is the man’s sister.
The pair were paid more than $140,000 through Medicaid to provide care for the man for a combined 22 hours a day but failed to do so, officials said.
He was hospitalized in October 2022 after losing consciousness, but investigators said the Longs caused Medicaid to pay for their services dating back nearly a year earlier.
Medical staff described his condition as a “disgrace,” as he required critical care treatment.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry said the 6-foot-tall man was malnourished to the point that he weighed only 95 pounds. He also had severe pressure wounds from not being moved.
“The level of neglect from these defendants against their son and brother who depended on them is nothing short of despicable,” Henry said in a statement. “The medical treatment he received from professionals committed to their duties likely saved his life.”
During his critical care hospitalization, the victim received a blood transfusion and spent time on a ventilator. He was not able to return home until May.
Editor’s update, March 3, 2025:
Rashina and Jasmine Long pleaded guilty to false or fraudulent medical assistance claim and neglect of care for a dependent person in a non-negotiated guilty plea. The rest of the dozen or so charges were dropped by the Attorney General’s Office. In December 2024, they were each sentenced to two to four years in prison.