An Albert Lea man who allegedly neglectfully treated an elderly relative has been charged in Freeborn County District Court.

Jesse Alan Chandler, 54, is charged with gross misdemeanor criminal neglect of a vulnerable adult. His first appearance on the charge is scheduled for Feb. 15.

Court documents state Chandler was charged after Albert Lea police in October spoke to a home care professional who reported the alleged neglect of an elderly woman.

A week earlier, the worker reportedly noticed the stove was on and the smoke detector was going off at the residence the woman lived in, and a full pill bottle indicated she had not taken her medication.

The woman was allegedly hungry but could not prepare food for herself and was lying on a bed covered in excrement without adequate bedding or clothing.

She was taken to the emergency room for a health evaluation.

Court documents state Chandler told a case manager Sept. 19 he checks on the relative two to three times per week but did not have the time to clean or bathe her.

When the case manager told Chandler after observing the woman in unsanitary conditions that day that the elderly woman needed 24/7 care, he reportedly said he wanted to give limited care a chance and had put on her on a waiting list for a local nursing home where her sister lived.

Since that date, the woman has reportedly been found in a neglected state multiple times.

Chandler said Friday he has been attentive to taking care of his mother.

“No one could say I haven’t been attentive in taking care of Mom,” he said.

Family members also denied the allegations, saying Chandler had been attentive to her needs and looked out for her best interest.

Court documents state Chandler in December said he knew professionals recommended she receive 24/7 care and acknowledged his work made it difficult for him to provide needed care for her.

A mugshot for Chandler was not available at press time.