A Dartmouth woman was arraigned last Friday on charges that she neglected her ex-husband and exploited him financially.

Patricia M. Jackson, 64, a teacher’s assistant in the Dartmouth public school system, has been accused of committing elder abuse, larceny and intimidation of a witness.

On Sept. 15, Bristol Elder Services sent a Notice of Serious Abuse or Death to the Bristol County Attorney regarding Patricia and her ex-husband Lester Jackson, 76. Lester had been living at Atria Assisted Living Facility in Fairhaven. During his time there, his ex-wife served as his health care proxy and power of attorney.

Earlier in the summer, Atria staffers contacted Bristol Elder Services, reporting that their patient’s ex-wife had not been paying pharmacy bills, leaving Lester without medication. Lester has several health issues, including Alzheimer’s disease. A state police report states Lester has an outstanding pharmacy bill totaling $1,600.

Patricia also neglected to pay Lester’s rent at Atria, accruing more than $25,000 in outstanding bills. This prompted the assisted living center to evict Lester.

Lester was receiving more than $3,000 monthly through Social Security, pension and annuity, and would have had enough money to afford rent at Atria, police said. Lester’s money was deposited into a joint account with his ex-wife.

According to a police report, Lester has since been living at St. Luke’s Hospital, effectively homeless, without health insurance or a way to pay for treatment.

Gregg Miliote, director of communications at the district attorney's office, said Patricia was held on $2,500 cash bail. She posted bail later that day and will return to court later in November.