An Anna Maria home health-care provider was facing trial on two charges of elderly abuse until, on the eve of the trial period, the state decided not to prosecute one case.
At a Feb. 11 docket sounding, 12th Judicial Circuit Assistant State Attorney Dickey Hough dropped abuse and neglect charges against Jo-An Franklin, 69, for her alleged treatment about a year ago of a 95-year-old Holmes Beach man.
Franklin’s attorney, Henry Lee, said, “I don’t think the state had any reason to bring the charges.
“I don’t think there was any evidence. I think (the state attorney’s office) finally agreed.”
Lee filed several motions in October 2014 and, as a result, conversations taped while a witness and Franklin took care of the patient were suppressed.
Still set for trial is a case against Franklin for allegedly battering an elderly Anna Maria woman in March 2014. Franklin’s son and the victim provided written affidavits about Franklin’s physical, mental and emotional abuse.
The assistant state attorney did not return a call for comment.
A two-week trial window began Feb. 23.
Twelfth Judicial Circuit Judge Diana Moreland will preside at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.