By Clifford Ward Special to the Tribune
January 30, 2008
Two Geneva women accused of criminal neglect in the death of their elderly mother pleaded not guilty Tuesday.In the sisters' first court appearance, Kane County Judge Allen Anderson ordered Jill Barry, 53, and Julie Barry, 46, to surrender to the sheriff's department for booking. He also informed them of the potential penalties if they are found guilty of criminal abuse or neglect of an elderly person.If the sisters are convicted on the most serious charge, they could face 3 to 7 years in prison.
They declined to comment as they left the courtroom.
The sisters were indicted this month in the April death of their mother, Mary Virginia Barry, 84. Paramedics responding to an aid call at the Geneva home that the three shared found the elderly woman in squalid conditions, officials said.
Barry died a week later, and authorities said her daughters' neglect was a contributing factor. At the time of her death, she weighed only 70 pounds and her body was covered with large bedsores, officials said.
Kane County State's Atty. John Barsanti, who plans to prosecute the case himself, appeared at Tuesday's arraignment.
"I view this as an important case, and I have an interest in the issue," Barsanti said afterward. He added that he wants his office to "ratchet up" its involvement in elder abuse cases.
The judge set the Barrys' bail at $10,000, though he released them on their own recognizance, based on their longtime ties to the community. Barsanti said he does not view them as a flight risk.
They are due back in court Feb. 26, when it will be determined whether they will be tried separately.
SOURCE: Chicago Tribune
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