Eldrup’s caretaker job raises ‘red flags’: judge

Eldrup’s caretaker job raises ‘red flags’: judge


By Beth Kramer
ekramer@stmedianetwork.com

Last Modified: Dec 2, 2011 02:39AM

The woman who allowed 18 dogs to starve to death under her care may put the elderly couple that she is caretaking in jeopardy, Lake County prosecutor Michael Mermel said Thursday.

Diane Eldrup, 49, was sentenced to 18 months of periodic imprisonment and 30 months of probation for her aggravated animal cruelty and animal torture convictions. She is released from Lake County Sheriff’s custody for counseling, visitations with her son and work.

Mermel brought the case before Circuit Judge James Booras to address concerns about Eldrup’s current employment as an assistant caretaker for an elderly couple. The elderly gentleman has dementia.

“She failed to feed dogs because their eyes were no longer looking back (at her). This is not the best employment for her,” Mermel said.

He pointed out that Eldrup testified at her trial that she was “shutting down” — meaning she is functioning in a “partial reality.” Mermel also said Eldrup is mentally ill and is paranoid, depressed, anxious and has difficulty making decisions.

Defense attorney John Curnyn has argued that his client was under duress due to divorce proceedings, her home going into foreclosure and her failing business.

“We know she’s quite clever at deceiving people,” Mermel said, reminding the judge that Eldrup had fooled clients about the conditions of Muddy Paws facility in Deer Park while the dogs were starving to death.

Booras agreed that Eldrup’s employment raised “red flags”, but ultimately allowed her to continue working after hearing testimony from the woman who is employing her.

Joan Blood testified Thursday that she knows Eldrup through her church and is familiar with Eldrup’s conviction, sentence and mental health issues.

Eldrup is helping with home repairs due to a flooding issue, Blood reported.

“Diane does not watch my husband. I would not let anyone watch my husband but me,” Blood said.

She added that she has a caregiver she is prepared to call when her husband’s state deteriorates further.

When Curnyn asked if she had any concerns about Eldrup being in the house, Blood said “none whatsoever.”

Blood admitted that she sometimes left Eldrup alone in the house while she ran errands “very quickly.”

Booras ordered that Eldrup be supervised at all times when she is at their residence and not left alone with Blood’s husband.

Blood emphasized that Eldrup is not working as a caretaker to her husband.

Curnyn also pointed out that his client is receiving counseling.

Eldrup is due back in court Dec. 12 for a restitution hearing.

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http://newssun.suntimes.com/9178495-417/eldrups-caretaker-job-raises-red-flags-judge.html

Editor's note:  Very wise decision on part of Judge Jim and Prosecutor Mike. Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com