A Thermopolis woman charged earlier this year in connection with the care of a vulnerable adult has entered into a deferred plea agreement that could result in the case being dismissed if she successfully completes probation.
According to the Thermopolis Independent Record, Colleen Blakesley was originally charged with felony intentional abuse of a vulnerable adult following an investigation that began in February after the Wyoming Department of Family Services requested assistance from the Thermopolis Police Department. The investigation was initiated after a physician reported concerns about the welfare of an elderly man with cerebral palsy during a wellness check. The man was later transported to Hot Springs Health for medical treatment.
Court records show Blakesley withdrew her previous not guilty plea as part of a plea agreement reached in July. Under the agreement, the felony charge was amended to a misdemeanor charge of neglecting a vulnerable adult.
During a July 31 hearing, District Court Judge Bobbi Overfield accepted the plea agreement and deferred entry of the misdemeanor plea as well as sentencing. Blakesley received credit for 43 days of pretrial confinement and was placed on probation.
If Blakesley successfully completes the terms of her probation, remains law abiding, complies with court requirements and pays $300 in assessments and fees, the misdemeanor plea will not be entered and the case will be dismissed.