HASTINGS — A 75-year-old woman was arrested Wednesday on felony charges after state police discovered a severely disabled woman confined in a sweltering shed.
Maria Y. Traub of Hastings was charged with first-degree endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person and first-degree reckless endangerment.
The investigation began July 29 when troopers responded to a welfare check at a residence on U.S. Route 11.
A health care provider had contacted 911 with concerns that a 46-year-old non-verbal, physically disabled female was not receiving her required medications.
Troopers discovered the victim in a highly distressed state, confined to a shed being used to store garbage.
The internal temperature exceeded 100 degrees.
She was unable to sit up or hydrate on her own, had no access to water or climate control, and was using a bucket as a toilet.
She had been wearing the same soiled clothing for days and was swarmed by flies.
EMS transported the victim to Upstate University Hospital, where she was found to be severely dehydrated, unable to walk, and suffering from multiple broken bones.
She remained hospitalized for several days and has since been placed under the care of a court-appointed guardian.
Traub was arraigned in Oswego County CAP Court and released on her own recognizance.
