An endangered adult is now under independent care as prosecutors pursue neglect charges against two women.
INDIANAPOLIS — Two women are facing neglect counts after an investigation found a cognitively impaired man in substandard conditions while the pair discussed his expected inheritance and access to his assets, according to a probable cause affidavit filed this week.
The case highlights how quickly caregiver roles can blur into financial control when a vulnerable adult’s money is in transition. Detectives say the women inserted themselves into scheduling, transportation and daily routines while the man’s estate became a recurring topic in messages and conversations. Prosecutors emphasized that the criminal allegations focus on unmet care needs and the risk of harm, not on inheritance disputes. The man has since been evaluated and connected to services outside the women’s control, authorities said, and the court will determine whether additional safeguards or a formal guardian are needed as the case advances.
According to investigative notes, the inquiry began after a welfare check at a residence on the city’s east side late last year. Officers reported cluttered rooms, limited food on hand and inconsistent records of medical visits. Adult-protection workers documented missed appointments and confusion over who could consent to care. Detectives also described attempts by friends and extended contacts to see the man that were rebuffed at the door. The affidavit says phone records and interviews show increased monitoring of his activities as questions about an inheritance surfaced. When the man was moved into independent care, staff recorded improvements in nutrition, hygiene and routine medical access.
Court filings allege the women delayed or canceled medical visits while discussing the man’s assets. Investigators say they found messages about “paperwork” and “money coming” tied to the estate, though the documents stop short of naming a dollar figure. Financial records are still being reviewed, and prosecutors noted they have not yet charged theft or exploitation counts connected to specific losses. The filing states the man’s cognitive limitations made him reliant on others to schedule care and manage daily tasks. Authorities said his name and certain health details are being withheld to protect his privacy while the case proceeds.
Records show no court-ordered guardianship appointing either woman to make legal or medical decisions. Detectives wrote that the absence of clear authority contributed to confusion around consent forms, pharmacy pickups and transportation to clinics. Adult-protection staff documented multiple attempts to evaluate the man’s condition; several visits were rescheduled or canceled. The affidavit says neighbors noticed blinds closed for extended periods and packages left outside, prompting calls to check on him. Investigators photographed the residence, logged medications and gathered statements from people who tried to intervene.
The women were arrested and booked into the Marion County jail pending initial appearances in Marion Superior Court. A judge is expected to consider release conditions, including potential no-contact orders and compliance with ongoing reviews by adult-protection staff. Prosecutors said further charges could be filed if the financial inquiry identifies exploitation of an endangered adult. Defense filings were not available Thursday. If the case advances, a preliminary hearing would be scheduled, followed by discovery and any negotiations over a possible plea or trial setting.
Outside the home after the arrests, a few neighbors described a quiet street where activity seemed to spike at odd hours in recent months. An advocate for people with disabilities who was not involved in the case said these situations often surface when informal caregivers control appointments and access to cash. Adult-protection staff left notices with nearby residents asking them to contact investigators if they had seen or heard anything unusual around the time of the reported welfare check.
As of Thursday evening, the man remained stable under independent care and prosecutors were preparing for the women’s initial hearings. The next public update is expected after the first court appearances in the coming days.
Author note: Last updated January 9, 2026.