A reported drug-addicted Missouri mother was charged Wednesday for allegedly stealing her terminally ill daughter’s pain medications police say.
After responding to a report of a drug offense, authorities arrested Carol Ballweg, 46, of Troy, on four counts of stealing a controlled substance and two counts of abuse of a vulnerable person, the Troy Missouri Police Department said in a news release via Facebook.
Officials said Ballweg was the primary caregiver for her 20-year-old daughter currently in hospice care, identified as “CM” on the release.
The victim was reportedly prescribed Fentanyl and Oxycodone for pain. Medical staff who reported to her home became concerned that she wasn’t being given the medication, also noting that she developed bed sores.
A subsequent urine screen taken on September 7 “showed no signs of her prescribed medication in her system,” according to officials. Further, staff told police that Ballweg requested that the “medications be filled earlier than should be required on several occasions.”
Investigators said the suspect confessed to having an addiction to opioids, and also admitted to taking her daughter’s medicine.
Ballweg is behind bars with a cash-only bond of $100,000. Upon release, a judge barred the woman from having any contact with her daughter.
This is a developing story. CrimeOnline will provide further updates as information becomes available.
[Feature Photo: Carol Ballweg, Troy Missouri Police Department]