A mother has pleaded guilty to federal charges of stealing her disabled son’s social security checks. Jordan Brooks, a 17-year-old boy with cerebral palsy, died from sepsis and malnutrition. He weighed only 55 pounds and had many open and bleeding sores at the time of his death.
His mother, Lisa Waldron, was his representative for social security benefits that he received for his cerebral palsy. Waldron and her husband Anthony (Jordan’s stepfather) were charged with second-degree murder and first-degree assault for Brooks’ death. The case highlights the importance of proper care for those with disabilities and the consequences of neglect.
After his death, she continued to receive social security payments that she knew she was not entitled to.
Despite being charged with manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide, she continued to accept payments for two more months. As a result, she now faces up to 10 years in federal prison and must pay restitution of $13,292.76. The total fines could be up to $250,000.
The state Office of Children and Family Services investigated the death of Jordan and found that the county Department of Social Services workers did not adequately investigate allegations against the parents before the tragic incident occurred. According to statements made to the Oswego County Sheriff’s Office, teachers, aides, and therapists had filed numerous complaints to DSS about Jordan over several years.
