Couple faces trial in the elder neglect

A Carson City couple accused of neglecting an elderly woman while operating of a care facility pleaded innocent and plan to go to trial in May 2000.

Michael and Norma Childers were charged with one felony and one misdemeanor count of neglect after the hospitalization and death of 78-year-old Camille Catalfano, a woman who had been under their care.

The attorney general's office decided to pursue charges against the couple and their now-defunct business Nevada Cares, after reports surfaced of Catalfano's hospitalization for pressure sores and fungi-like mold on her dentures and in her mouth.

The complaint was written by the Medicaid Fraud Unit which alleges that between September 1997 and February 1998, Catalfano was neglected to the point where she suffered "unjustifiable physical pain and/or mental suffering."

An expert witness who testified at the couple's September pretrial hearing said neglect may have contributed to Catalfano's death.

The Childers face a felony count of causing bodily harm, severe pain and mental suffering and a gross misdemeanor count of neglect causing unjust physical pain. The category B felony charge carries a penalty of two to six years while the gross misdemeanor charge is punishable with up to a year in prison and a $2000 fine.