Authorities say a Wentzville woman is behind bars after she allegedly stole her mother's lung cancer medication, a stash investigators estimate was worth roughly $17,000 to $20,000. The theft, according to police, left the patient without treatment and in pain. Court records show Joelynn P. Lauterwasser was taken into custody on March 3 after a warrant was issued.
Arrest and court details
According to FOX2, the alleged theft happened at the mother's home in St. Charles County on Feb. 25, and a warrant for Lauterwasser's arrest was issued Feb. 27. The station reports Lauterwasser is charged with stealing $750 or more and could face additional counts of elder abuse. A judge set bond at $10,000 cash only and ordered that she have no contact with her mother. FOX2 also notes Lauterwasser had an active St. Charles County warrant for driving while intoxicated, and that family members told police the victim was left in pain after losing access to her medication.
What Missouri law says
Under state statute, taking property valued at $750 or more is charged as a Class D felony, the benchmark prosecutors use for higher value theft cases; see RSMo §570.030. A Class D felony carries a prison term not to exceed seven years under state sentencing rules; see RSMo §558.011. The state's elder abuse statute, which criminalizes knowingly failing to provide necessary care to an older or vulnerable person, is set out in RSMo §565.184 and can be pursued as a separate count in cases where a victim is deprived of needed treatment; see Justia (RSMo §565.184).
Victim impact and family reaction
Investigators say the patient was left without treatment and in pain after the medication was taken, and family members cooperated with officers as the case moved forward. Court records show the victim's brother-in-law arranged transportation to get Lauterwasser out of the home the night the alleged theft was discovered.
What's next
Lauterwasser remains in custody on a $10,000 cash only bond and is due back in circuit court for a bond hearing on March 10. Prosecutors will review the investigation and decide whether to file additional charges as the case proceeds.
