DSP News Release: Marydel Woman Charged with Neglect of an Infirmed Adult/ Second Suspect Sought

Location:

·         2900 block Mayhan Corner Road Marydel, De

DATE and TIME:  

·         Between September 2009 and September 2010

Victim(s):

·         78 year old Marydel Delaware man (deceased natural causes)

Defendant(s) Charge(s) and Bond Information:

·         Stacey Stevens-38 Marydel, De

·         1 count Intentionally Abuse, Neglect, Exploit or Mistreat Infirm Adult and Cause Harm

·         Stevens was arraigned and released on $5,000 unsecured bond

Suspect/ Active Arrest Warrant:

• Franklin J. Benson-42 Marydel, De
• 1 count Intentionally Abuse, Neglect, Exploit or Mistreat Infirm Adult and Cause Harm

 Resume:

Marydel-Delaware State Police assisted by The Department of Justice, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office Tuesday June 7, 2011 charged Stacey Stevens-38 of Marydel Delaware with 1 count of “Intentionally Abuse, Neglect, Exploit or Mistreat Infirm Adult and Cause Harm” a felony level crime.  State Police detectives additionally have an active arrest warrant for Franklin J. Benson-42 of Marydel, the second individual involved with the investigation.

On September 19, 2010 the victim was hospitalized due to bedsores and other undisclosed issues resulting from the lack of care provided by Stevens (Stepdaughter) and Benson (Nephew).

State Police Detectives on September 20^th of 2010 were contacted regarding a possible elder abuse case.  Detectives through their investigation learned that the bedridden 78 year old victim was left in the care of his relatives Stacey Stevens and Franklin Benson. 

Stevens and Benson resided at the residence rent free, in exchange for assisting in the care of their elderly relative.  (An agreement between the victim and Stevens/Benson)Benson and Stevens resided in the victim’s residence at the time of the incident.  The bedridden victim needed assistance with getting out of bed, walking and feeding himself. 

The victim now deceased, died on November 1, 2010 from apparent natural causes as determined by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

State Police continued with their investigation, which resulted in arrest warrants being obtained for Stevens and Benson.  Stacey Stevens turned herself into State Police Troop 3 Woodside Delaware on Tuesday June 7^th and was released on $5,000 unsecured bond. 

Detectives have been unsuccessful in locating Franklin Benson.   

To offer information regarding this investigation, please contact the Delaware State Police at 302-741-2826.

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Citizens may also provide a tip by texting keyword “DSP” plus your message to 274637 (CRIMES). 

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Tipsters may also call to provide information through lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333. Callers can also submit information via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com.