A Spring Hill man is facing charges of neglect after deputies discovered his elderly mother in a severe state of neglect. Jason Thomas Russell, 47, was arrested last Thursday and is being held at the Hernando County Detention Center without bond. According to the Hernando County Sheriff's Office, Russell's mother, found covered in feces and urine, with open sores infested by maggots, has now passed away, prompting authorities to consider upgrading the charges against him.
When Hernando County Fire Rescue responded to Russell's 911 call for his unresponsive mother on September 18, they found her on a wheelchair in her driveway. Not letting medical personnel into the house to assess her medications, report disclosed by the Hernando County Sheriff's Office, doctors diagnosed the 79-year-old woman with malnutrition, septic conditions due to infection, pneumonia, a urinary tract infection, and rotting skin.
Further investigation by deputies turned Russell's home into a crime scene, where they encountered a home in horrendous condition, with strong ammonia odors and soiled furniture. Documents released by the Hernando County Sheriff's Office state that Russell was taken into custody after ignoring deputies' instructions to remain outside, trying to re-enter the active crime scene, which led to additional charges including Resisting an Officer without Violence.
Russell, during his previous encounters with the law, was out on bond for a DUI offense, explaining why he is currently being held without bond. The neglect charge comprises "Neglect of an Elderly Person Causing Great Bodily Harm." With the death of his mother, detectives are liaising with the Medical Examiner and the State Attorney's Office on possible escalation of charges, as per the Hernando County Sheriff's Office.
