MICHIGAN MOTHER CHARGED WITH MULTIPLE COUNTS OF STEALING AND USING TERMINAL ILL DAUGHTER’S MEDICATIONS

On Monday September 10th, 2018 Troy officers were dispatched to Troy Family Practice for a drug offense. Upon arrival medical staff reported concerns of neglect and drug abuse relating to a patient.

Medical staff they were treating a patient identified as CM (age 20) who is terminally ill and under the care of hospice and her primary care giver is her mother identified as Carol Ballweg(age 46). Staff listed concerns regarding Ballweg not providing CM pain medications. CM was prescribed Fentanyl and Oxycodone for pain. Medical staff had previously made numerous “hotline” calls regarding CM’s care. Staff had concerns regarding Ballweg’s requests for the above medications be filled earlier than should be required on several occasions.

Medical staff also advised an ongoing investigation by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and provided the name of the investigator.

Due to the ongoing concerns CM’s doctor requested a drug screen of her urine. On September 7th, 2018 CM’s urine screen showed no signs of her prescribed medication in her system. At that time medical staff made the determination to no longer fill CM’s prescriptions.
Medical staff also advised CM had developed bed sores, pictures of the sores were provided to officers.

Troy Officers made contact with DHSS investigators and confirmed there was an ongoing investigation regarding CM’s cares. DHSS investigators also stated they had received complaints from CM’s home health provider regarding the medication issues.

With this and additional information Troy Officers executed a search warrant at Ballweg’s address on September 11th, 2018.

During the course of the investigation Ballweg admitted to having a addiction to opioids. Ballweg also confessed to taking CM’s oxycodone medication and using it herself.

On September 12th, 2018 Ballweg was charged with four (4) counts of Stealing a Controlled Substance and two (2) counts of Abuse of Elderly, Disabled, or Vulnerable Person. The Honorable Judge Allsberry set bond at $100,000 cash only and upon release is to have no contact with the victim.