HAVERHILL, Mass. (AP) - A Haverhill woman who forced her mentally challenged brother and disabled sister-in-law to live in a dank basement while she held their Social Security checks has pleaded guilty to neglect charges.
The Eagle-Tribune (https://bit.ly/1gxFk72 ) reports that Mary Clark was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison, but was released because she was given credit for time served.
The 67-year-old Clark was also sentenced to five years of probation.
Prosecutors say from 2006 to 2008, Clark forced Joseph and Mary Pina to live in a basement with a dirt floor, low ceilings and no bathroom. It had insufficient light and heat and the furniture was laden with fungus. The basement had a three-foot tall door that locked from the outside.
Clark’s lawyer said her client accepted responsibility.
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Information from: Eagle Tribune (North Andover, Mass.), https://www.eagletribune.com
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