Henrietta Harlow allegedly took control of nearly $133,770 in cash and other assets belonging to her mother, along with the victim’s two-story home, through a durable power of attorney after the victim was no longer capable of independently managing her financial or personal affairs. Prosecutors allege that instead of using those resources to care for her mother, Harlow arranged regular payments to herself from the victim’s account while failing to provide adequate supervision, hygiene, nutrition, medical care, and safe living conditions as the victim experienced significant and progressive cognitive decline.
“Investigators further determined that the defendant allegedly refused to purchase or pay for basic necessities for the victim, including hygiene items, food, clean bedding, clothing, and caregiving assistance, despite having access to and control over the victim’s funds and property,” prosecutors said in a written statement. “Witness statements further reflected that the victim was at times left hungry and without adequate food in the home, requiring Homemakers aides and other Department of Human Services personnel to purchase food and basic necessities for the victim using their own personal funds.”
Harlow faces charges of criminal neglect of an older or dependent adult, financial abuse of an older or dependent adult, and financial exploitation of an older or dependent adult — all felonies carrying possible prison sentences ranging from three to 14 years.
Court records detailing the case against Harlow, including whether she has entered a plea, had not been uploaded to the Superior Court website as of Sunday afternoon.
Rhea said investigators received deeply troubling accounts from witnesses describing the victim’s condition.
“[The victim] was lying on a bed in a compromised physical state, appearing stiff and unable to move properly. The sleeping area was unsanitary, with food debris, ants and other contaminants present on and around the bed,” according to the statement.
Another out-of-territory family member reported that the victim was at times found lying on a mattress without sheets, in urine-soaked conditions, and unable to move without assistance.
Investigators also determined that the victim developed serious bodily injuries, including pressure ulcers and significant physical deterioration, while dependent on Harlow for care and while Harlow maintained control over the victim’s finances, according to the Department of Justice.
“The Virgin Islands Department of Justice remains committed to protecting elderly and vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation,” Rhea said. “Individuals who exploit positions of trust for personal gain while placing vulnerable persons at risk of harm will be held accountable.”
It was not immediately clear when Harlow might next appear in court.
