An Alton woman has been sentenced to five and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to criminal neglect of her elderly mother.

A Madison County judge sentenced 48-year-old Marjorie E. Phillips Thursday. She failed to provide sanitary living conditions and medical care to her 71-year-old mother. The felony is punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

Police say the mother was found dead in January among food, dirty dishes and household goods piled throughout their house. An autopsy showed evidence of neglect.

Prosecutors dropped two other criminal neglect charges in the plea deal.

Phillips' attorney says she isn't dangerous. The lawyer says Phillips' mother was a hoarder so living in "filth" is "all (Phillips) ever knew."

Phillips says she's sorry and she should have arranged for professional care.

Kuzma
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