Ogden, UT – A 62-year-old woman from Hildale, Utah, is facing felony charges after disturbing videos emerged showing what police have described as intentional abuse of a vulnerable adult under her care.
Myra Jean Barnes has been charged with one count of third-degree felony aggravated abuse of a vulnerable adult, along with misdemeanor charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Barnes was initially taken into custody on an unrelated outstanding warrant, but further investigation led to the discovery of the videos that would bring additional charges.
According to court documents, the videos show Barnes yelling profanities at an elderly woman, who appeared to be unable to get up from the floor. The woman, who was reportedly covered in animal fecal matter, can allegedly be heard calling for help, but Barnes reportedly refused to provide assistance. In one video, when Barnes eventually helped the elderly woman, she allegedly screamed at her and placed her back on the unsanitary floor, leaving her there once again.
Alongside the abuse allegations, authorities also found multiple items in Barnes’s possession that were allegedly used for drug consumption. Police reported finding straws and pens fashioned into “snorting utensils” as well as a clear plastic bag containing mushroom stems. Barnes reportedly claimed the mushroom stems were used to help her “calm down” during her hospital stay.
Barnes was ordered to be held on a $5,000 bail pending a pretrial hearing, with several conditions for release if she posts bail. As of Thursday, December 23, Barnes remains in custody at the Washington County Jail.
The case has shocked the local community, with many expressing concern over the treatment of vulnerable adults and the severity of the allegations. Investigators continue to look into the details of the case as they prepare for the upcoming pretrial hearings.