The Attorney General’s Office announced that Lena McKirryher, 60, of Pittsford, Vermont, was arraigned yesterday on two felony counts and two misdemeanor counts of Neglect of a Vulnerable Adult, and one felony count of Medicaid Fraud. The charges brought against Ms. McKirryher are the result of a joint investigation conducted by the office’s Medicaid Fraud and Residential Abuse Unit and the Vermont State Police.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, Ms. McKirryher was the contracted shared living provider for an adult individual with a medical history including epilepsy and developmental disabilities. Per the contract, Ms. McKirryher’s responsibilities included maintaining medical records, ensuring that the individual received regular medical examinations and any appropriate medical treatment, and ensuring that medications were used only as prescribed. After the individual passed away in September 2023, an autopsy revealed signs of neglect, including open wounds and malnutrition; subsequent investigation also indicated that the individual’s medication had not been administered as prescribed and the individual had not attended regular medical appointments.
Ms. McKirryher pleaded not guilty to all counts at her arraignment on February 24, 2025, in Vermont Superior Court, Rutland Unit, Criminal Division, Judge Cortland Corsones presiding. Felony neglect of a vulnerable adult holds the potential for a maximum of fifteen years of incarceration, a $10,000 fine, or both. Misdemeanor neglect of a vulnerable adult holds the potential for a maximum of eighteen months of incarceration, a fine of $10,000, or both. Medicaid Fraud holds the potential for a maximum of ten years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000 or an amount equal to twice the amount of payments wrongfully obtained, or both.
If you suspect someone is being or has been neglected or abused, contact local law enforcement immediately. Neglect and abuse may also be reported to Adult Protective Services by calling 800-564-1612 and to MFRAU at https://ago.vermont.gov/medicaid-fraud-report-form.
The Medicaid Fraud and Residential Abuse Unit receives 75 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award totaling $1,332,724 for Federal fiscal year FY 2025. The remaining 25 percent, totaling $$444,241 for FY 2025, is funded by the State of Vermont.
CONTACT: Amelia Vath, Outreach and Communications Coordinator, 802-828-3171