Woman faces theft, cruelty charges

A 22-year-old Morgan City woman is accused of having refused care to a 54-year-old woman for whom she was responsible for caring and stolen more than $2,800 from the victim, Morgan City Police Chief Michael Banks said in a news release.
Bethany R. Daigle, 22, of Arenz Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 5:15 p.m. Monday on warrants for cruelty to the infirm, exploitation of the infirm; and felony unauthorized use of an access card (value $2,835.26).
On Jan. 11, detectives with the Morgan City Police Department began an investigation into cruelty to the infirmed. Detectives investigating the complaint gathered evidence, which indicated people responsible for the care of a 54-year-old infirmed woman had refused care, food and other needs. The complaint indicated the treatment of the victim led to the woman becoming severely malnourished and dehydrated, Banks said.
A suspect, identified as Daigle, was also accused of using the victims’ access card to steal $2,835.26 from the victim without her knowledge, Banks said.
The living conditions were found to be unsanitary and unclean as if no assistance was provided for the victims care, Banks said. The victim ultimately received the proper care and medical treatment after the incident was discovered, the chief said.
On Monday, detectives made contact with the suspect, Daigle, and arrested her. The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are expected, Banks said.