BOLINGBROOK REGISTERED NURSE SENTENCED IN NEGLECT OF DISABLED SIX YEAR-OLD GIRL

WHEATON – DuPage County State’s Attorney Joe Birkett today announced that Lovejoy Demesa, 34 (d.o.b. 10/24/1972) of 249 S. Porter, Bolingbrook was sentenced this morning to serve 24 months Felony Probation after entering a plea of guilty to one count of Criminal Neglect of a Person With a Disability, a Class 3 Felony.

             In March, 2005, Demesa, who is a licensed RN, was hired to work as a daily caregiver for a six year-old girl who suffered from cerebral palsy, scoliosis and other various conditions.  In October, 2005 however, the girl’s parents grew suspicious of the care their daughter was receiving and installed a hidden camera in the girl’s room.  Footage from the hidden camera revealed that Demesa removed the girl from her ventilator, which was medically ordered to be on for 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for a period of 56 minutes. 

             “What Lovejoy Demesa did to this innocent young girl is beyond irresponsible,” commented Birkett.  “Demesa was charged with the care of this child and instead of doing everything she could for her, she chose to put this child’s heath in jeopardy.   Now a convicted felon, Demesa will never again be in a position to harm someone who is in need of medical attention.”

             In addition to Probation, Demesa was ordered to submit to DNA indexing, have no contact with the family and pay all fines and court costs.

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