News Release - New Abuse Charges Brought Against Alachua Couple

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Attorney General Bill McCollum News Release

July 6, 2007

Media Contact: Sandi Copes
Phone: (850) 245-0150

New Abuse Charges Brought Against Alachua Couple

~ Arrest is second within 30 days for husband and wife who neglected a disabled adult, obstructed felony investigation ~

TALLAHASSEE, FL - A High Springs couple was arrested today for the second time in less than 30 days after a continued investigation by Attorney General Bill McCollum's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit unveiled additional criminal charges. Robert Timothy and Audrey Candice Craft are each charged with neglecting a disabled adult in their care and providing false information to law enforcement during a felony investigation. The couple was arrested by authorities with the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators with the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit began investigating the Crafts’ group home after receiving information about possible abuse from the Florida Department of Children and Families, Adult Protective Services. The Crafts were investigated by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit’s Patient Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation (PANE) team. The investigation revealed that the Crafts failed to seek adequate medical services after a profoundly developmentally disabled resident suffered a fractured ankle. Further investigation revealed that the resident had been restrained with Velcro straps which caused ligature marks and bruising.

After the June arrest, subsequent investigation revealed that both Robert and Audrey Craft provided false information to law enforcement officers during the initial investigation in an attempt to impede the investigation and mislead authorities. Further investigation revealed that during December of 2006, the Crafts failed to seek medical treatment when a profoundly mentally disabled and autistic resident developed a large, open and infected sore.

Robert and Audrey Craft are each charged with one felony count of neglect of a disabled adult and one misdemeanor count of providing false information to law enforcement officers during an investigation. The felony count carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. The misdemeanor charge is punishable by up to 60 days imprisonment and a $500 fine. The case will be prosecuted by the Third Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office.