- A South Jordan couple faces charges accusing them of abusing an elderly family member.
- The 77-year-old victim endured broken bones, malnutrition and widespread bruising, charges say.
- Prosecutors seek jail without bail pending trial, fearing further abuse or potential death.
SOUTH JORDAN — A South Jordan couple has been charged with abusing the husband's elderly father.
Prosecutors say the 77-year-old victim suffered broken bones, malnutrition and had bruises all over his body.
Scott Albert Robison, 54, and Ashley Marie Reynolds, 47, were each charged Friday in 3rd District Court with aggravated abuse of a vulnerable adult, a second-degree felony.
The victim told police he has lived with Robison for the past 10 years, "and he has endured various forms of abuse from Robison, including being pushed, shoved, and verbally assaulted. (He) stated that in December, Robison grabbed him by his wrists and forced him into the bathroom, causing the skin on his wrists to tear. Robison pushed (the man) into the bathtub fully clothed, causing his back to slam against the tub. Robison then poured cold water over (the victim) and stated, 'Now you're getting in the spirit of things,'" according to charging documents.
The elderly man also claimed Robison would "withhold his medication, that he only ate about once a day and Robison would only provide him with food when it was convenient for him," the charges state.
When police contacted the victim's doctor in May, the doctor said the man "appeared to be weak, malnourished, and had multiple bruises and skin tears. (He) underwent a CT scan that revealed multiple fractures and bruises. (He) was found to have suffered multiple rib fractures, compression fractures, skin tears, multiple contusions over his head, arms, legs and back, severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, malnutrition, pleural effusion, chronic PTSD, hypothyroid, multiple bruises on his scalp, and unintentional weight loss," the charges allege.
Prosecutors say Robison and Reynolds are the man's primary caretakers, but "it is likely that the victim will suffer further domestic abuse or death" if they are not held in the Salt Lake County Jail without the possibility of posting bail until trial.
