An Albert Lea woman who allegedly neglectfully treated a vulnerable adult she knew pleaded not guilty Thursday in Freeborn County District Court.

Michelle Renee Dawes, 32, is charged with felony neglect.

Court documents state Dawes was charged after an Albert Lea Police Department officer was dispatched Sept. 14 to a report of possible financial abuse of a vulnerable adult. Dawes reportedly failed to pay the bills for the adult, so the services for the adult were being discontinued.

Upon arriving, the vulnerable adult was described as “pale,” “gray” and “very thin.”

Court documents state Dawes admitted owing money for services provided to the vulnerable adult.

Court documents state when the vulnerable adult was evaluated in late September, she had lost nearly 20 pounds in about 1 1/2 months and had severe anemia, cachexia, severe malnutrition, CAD and heart failure.

A settlement conference is scheduled for Jan. 24, and a jury trial is scheduled to start April 10, if the case has not been settled by then.

Shawntaya Latrice Butler, 32, is charged with felony criminal neglect in connection with the case. Her next appearance is scheduled for Jan. 11.