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MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A West Virginia neglect case involves a woman accused of leaving her husband on a toilet for 19 hours. Authorities allege the incident contributed to the 76-year-old man’s death in a hospital 11 days later.
Margaret Rog, 75, faces a charge of abuse or neglect of an incapacitated adult, according to the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators allege she failed to seek help after her husband became unable to stand, despite knowing he needed assistance.
Therapist discovered husband the following morning
According to a criminal complaint cited by Morgantown radio station WAJR, the man went to the bathroom around 3 p.m. on Aug. 20. Rog attempted to help him get up but could not do so.
Investigators allege she then left him on the toilet overnight without food, water or his prescribed medications. They say she heard him groaning in pain but did not call for assistance before going to bed.
The man had dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, legal blindness and other medical conditions, according to the complaint described in local reporting.
A speech therapist arrived for a scheduled home visit around 10 a.m. on Aug. 21 and found him unresponsive. The therapist called an ambulance, according to court documents cited by WDTV and Gray News.
Investigators link injuries to hospital death
At the hospital, doctors diagnosed the man with several serious conditions, including heart failure, respiratory failure, a pulmonary embolism and sepsis, according to court documents described by WDTV. He also had wounds on his backside.
He died on Aug. 31. Investigators said his condition and injuries associated with the incident were significant contributing factors in his death, WDTV reported.
WAJR reported that Adult Protective Services and law enforcement received a report on Aug. 21 concerning possible abuse or neglect of the man at Ruby Memorial Hospital.
Investigators also allege Rog made statements to authorities and family members indicating that she understood her husband needed assistance but chose not to provide it, according to the complaint cited by WAJR.
Not-guilty plea reported
FOX Local reported on Sept. 17 that Rog was arrested on Sept. 15, pleaded not guilty and posted a $75,000 bond.
That account differs from earlier local reports that listed her as being held at North Central Regional Jail. Her current custody status has not been independently confirmed through court or jail records for this article.
The charge represents an accusation, not a finding of guilt. Rog is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.