Daughter Accused Of Leaving Disabled Parents 'Home Alone'

TINELY PARK, IL -- A Tinley Park woman is accused of leaving her elderly, disabled parents unattended while she went to Alabama. Tracy Ulaszek, 47, appeared before Cook County Judge Peter Felice on three felony charges of elder abuse and neglect. Her parents are in protective custody.

According to the charges, Ulaszek helps care for her bedridden mother and father, who are both in their seventies. Ulaszek allegedly left town to go to Alabama. Her father called police seeking help when Ulaszek didn’t show up for a few days, the prosecutor said. Ulaszek was arrested when she returned on June 10.

Ulaszek has two misdemeanor arrests for retail theft, the prosecutor said. The assistant public defender told the judge that Ulaszek lives near her parents in Tinley Park and has been taking care of them for the past 19 years. Her siblings live out of state.

“She’s not paid,” the assistant public defender said. “She drops by everyday.”

He continued to tell the judge that Ulaszek has not been appointed her parents’ legal guardian.

“She can’t assume responsibility and then neglect it,” Felice said, “not saying she’s guilty.”

The prosecutor asked for special conditions of bond, including no contact with her parents.

Ulaszek’s sister is currently taking care of their parents, who are hospitalized.

“I can’t do that,” Felice said. “Her parents might want her back.”

Ulaszek was released on a $30,000 I-bond. Her next court date is July 9 in Bridgeview.

“If your parents don’t want you, don’t go back,” Felice said.