Couple gave disabled 86-year-old woman cocaine instead of prescriptions, police say

TITUSVILLE, Fla. – The Titusville Police Department said a husband and wife are accused of abusing a disabled woman. 
Police said Robert Eugene Hydorn, 55, and Joanne Patricia Hydorn, 47, were arrested in connection with the neglect and abuse of the victim.

Investigators said officers responded to a report from the Department of Children and Families in reference to a report of a disabled woman over the age of 65 who was being abused at the hands of her caregivers.

Authorities said the preliminary investigation has revealed the suspects were mismanaging the woman’s prescription pain medication.

Police said a doctor's visit revealed an over-the-counter pain reliever in the victim's system, not her prescribed medication.

Police said the victim's doctor found it even more concerning when cocaine was discovered in her system.

Police said the doctor reported his concerns and told Robert Hydorn to only give the woman her prescribed drugs.

Hydorn is on meds too and the doctor also saw signs that he might be abusing his prescription.
Police said that same doctor said Robert's wife, Joanne, asked for a prescription for painkillers for herself without any proof of injury.

The suspects were taken into custody Thursday, according to police.
              
They each face two charges of domestic violence: abuse of an elderly disabled person and neglect of an elderly disabled person.

"Thank goodness that someone recognized it and called authorities. They might have even saved her life," Amy Matthews with Titusville police said.
                 
The couple was booked into Brevard County Jail where Friday, a judge assigned each of them a $15,000 bond.

Police said Robert Hydorn explained he threw away the victim's meds and that the two of them agreed on doing so.

Police said the Hydorns could not explain how cocaine was taken by the 86-year-old but Joanne Hydorn admitted to giving her Tylenol.

"It's horrible. They abused her severely," Matthews said.

A neighbor told News 6 that the 86-year-old is now at an assisted living facility.