Lutz Man Accused Of Starving, Neglecting Ill Mother

LUTZ, FL -- A 29-year-old Lutz man has been charged with neglect of an elderly or disabled adult after his mother was found malnourished, dehydrated and covered in bed sores.

On Sept. 17, James Paul Collins' 58-year-old mother, who is a quadriplegic and has advanced Parkinson's Disease, was admitted to Florida Hospital. Doctors say she weighed just 50 pounds.

During their investigation into her condition, Hillsborough County Sheriff's detective learned that between September 2016 and September 2018, Collins, who was responsible for his mother's care, failed to provide her with basic needs, ignored visible wounds and failed to seek medical care for her.

She was later admitted to a long-term health facility and now weighs 91 pounds, indicating that her weight loss was the result of neglect, not an eating disorder.

Collins was arrested this week at his home on Martha Circle.

Image via Hillsborough Sheriff

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