Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell and Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz have announced the indictment and arraignment of three women from Plymouth in connection with a fatal elder neglect case. Eva Cardoso, Kayla Cardoso, and Lisa Hamilton face charges including manslaughter, caretaker neglect of an elder, larceny, and Medicaid fraud. The authorities allege that these women were responsible for the care of 79-year-old Dinora Cardoso, whose death was allegedly due to inadequate care.
The investigation reveals that Eva Cardoso was employed as Dinora's personal care attendant (PCA), while Kayla Cardoso served as her health care proxy and PCA Program Surrogate. They are accused of billing MassHealth for unprovided services during times when Dinora was hospitalized and after her passing. It is reported that Eva received over $140,000 from MassHealth for her services to Dinora.
On May 17, 2023, Eva called emergency services for her mother who was found in poor conditions by first responders. Dinora passed away two days later due to necrotizing fasciitis and sepsis caused by infected ulcers.
Lisa Hamilton, a registered nurse responsible for regular visits to Dinora, allegedly failed to report any signs of neglect or insect infestation during her last visit before emergency services were called. Investigations indicate that the extent of the infestation would have required several weeks to develop.
The grand jury indicted the three women on November 19, followed by their arrest and arraignment on November 22. The specific charges against them include:
- Eva Cardoso faces manslaughter among other charges with bail set at $5,000.
- Kayla Cardoso is charged with caretaker neglect and other offenses with bail set at $500.
- Lisa Hamilton is charged with caretaker neglect with bail also set at $500.
Conditions of release prohibit contact with witnesses and working in healthcare settings involving children or elderly patients. However, Hamilton may continue nursing under supervision.
A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for January 15 in Brockton Superior Court. The defendants remain presumed innocent until proven guilty.
This case involves contributions from multiple officials including Assistant Attorney General Heidi Gosule and others from the AGO’s Medicaid Fraud Division. Support came from various agencies including the Office of Inspector General and Massachusetts State Police.
The AGO’s Medicaid Fraud Division is responsible for investigating fraud within MassHealth and has jurisdiction over complaints regarding abuse or neglect in healthcare settings. They are primarily funded by a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services along with state funding from Massachusetts.