An Albrightsville woman, who was charged with neglect of care-dependent person over five years go, finally had her day in court on Monday when she was placed in Carbon County’s Accelerated Rehabilitation Disposition probation program.

Grace Ann Porter, 54, of Penn Forest Township, was placed in the program for two years by Judge Steven R. Serfass for a case that began in October 2016 and continued in the justice system until Monday. In total, there were 23 continuances filed in the matter and the victim in the case has since died.

According to an affidavit of probable cause filed by Trooper Daniel Spath of the state police at Fern Ridge: At 11:41 p.m. Oct. 8, Spath, along with three other troopers, were dispatched to a reported disturbance at two Buckhill Road residences in Penn Forest Township. Police said appropriate citations will be filed against the parties involved in the disturbance.

During the investigation, a woman said that her aunt was a care-dependent person who was being neglected and needed medical treatment. It was determined that Grace Ann Porter, who lives next door, was the victim’s caretaker. She was employed by Public Partnership to provide daily care to the victim. Spath said the troopers found the victim lying on a bed that was torn and had no sheets or coverings. Police said the living conditions in the residence and the room the victim was in were deplorable. It appeared the victim was lying in fecal matter.

Emergency medical services were summoned to the scene to care for the victim. Lake Harmony EMS arrived on scene, evaluated the victim, and determined that she was in need of immediate medical attention.

A Palmerton Emergency Room physician evaluated the victim and said she suffered from what he categorized as serious bodily injury. The victim’s injuries were observed by troopers, and included numerous large, open bed sores; a leaking catheter; contraction of her hands, arms and leg; and numerous bruises. The victim was photographed at the hospital, but was unable to communicate because of a prior medical condition.

The physician said in his expert medical opinion the victim suffered serious bodily injury from the neglect of care she suffered as a result of her caregiver not providing the necessary treatment and care required to preserve her health, safety and welfare.

Porter was also ordered to pay $650 for the cost of the program, pay court costs of over $1,000, pay a $50 per month supervision fee while in the program and render 100 hours of community service.

Drug placement

Austin A. Reph, 24, of Weissport, was placed in the program for a year on drug-related charges including possession of a controlled substance and possession of a small amount of marijuana. He was arrested on Nov. 17, 2021, by state police at Lehighton.

He was also ordered to pay $450 for the cost of the program, get a drug and alcohol evaluation and follow any recommendation for treatment, render 50 hours of community service, pay court costs of over $1,000 and pay a $50 per month supervision fee while in the program.

In entering the program Porter and Reph do not admit guilt.