(WNY News Now) – Rashina Long and Jasmine Long, a mother and sister duo, sentenced to prison for neglecting a quadriplegic relative, causing life-threatening injuries and Medicaid fraud.
HARRISBURG — Attorney General Michelle Henry announced today that two Philadelphia women have been sentenced to prison for neglecting their quadriplegic relative, leading to hospitalization requiring critical care. Rashina Long, 48, and Jasmine Long, 33, were both employed as direct care workers for the victim, who relied on them for daily assistance with tasks such as bathing, skin care, and meal preparation.
In September, both women pleaded guilty to charges of neglect of a care-dependent person and Medicaid fraud. On Thursday, each was sentenced to two to four years in prison, followed by seven years of probation. As part of their sentence, they are barred from working as caregivers for the duration of their probation.
The neglect, which occurred between December 2021 and September 2022, resulted in the victim being hospitalized in October 2022 with severe medical complications. Doctors found that the man had developed significant pressure sores, was malnourished, and severely dehydrated. His treatment required extensive procedures, including a blood transfusion and time on a ventilator.
“The egregious conduct here by two trusted care givers is compounded by the fact that they are relatives of the man they neglected,” Attorney General Henry said. “My office will not tolerate neglectful behavior that harms people in need of care and defrauds the Medicaid system.”
An investigation by the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Fraud Control Section uncovered that the Longs had falsely billed the Medicaid program for over $140,000 for services they never provided. The women’s actions not only caused physical harm to their relative but also exploited the public health system.
Senior Deputy Attorney General Benjamin McKenna led the prosecution of this case.
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