Jana Mallory

Case name

Jana Mallory (also referred to as Jana Porter Mallory and Jana Porter Mallory)

Background

Jana Porter Mallory was a neighbor who became a caregiver to Peggy Mehrman after Peggy Mehrman needed help due to declining health. Peggy Mehrman did not have use of her legs and could barely use her arms. Home renovations were affecting Mehrman in late 2007, and she moved in with Mallory, who lived a few doors down at 6311 S Adelia Ave.

Mallory cared for Mehrman by feeding her, bathing her and administering medications. Mehrman was expected to have a roommate arrive after the renovations, but that woman never showed up. Peggy Mehrman still thought the woman was coming to live with her, and her daughter said they did not know Mehrman had been turned away.

Mallory had been caring for Mehrman with her husband, Donald.

Jana Mallory had previously received 18 months’ probation after pleading guilty to fraudulent use of personal information in 2005.

The offence

Authorities said Mallory slowly poisoned Peggy Mehrman by giving medications that exceeded 10 times her prescribed amount. The poisoning occurred over the course of several months in 2007 and 2008, while Mallory was providing care.

Peggy Mehrman died, and Mallory called in March 2008 to say the woman had died. After the death, Mehrman’s daughter became suspicious based on difficulties withdrawing funeral expenses from Mehrman’s accounts.

Police said Mallory stole money and jewelry from Peggy Mehrman in addition to poisoning her.

Investigators said the thefts totaled more than $50,000 for the four months Peggy Mehrman was in Mallory’s care. Investigators said Mallory wrote checks and made ATM withdrawals from all of Mehrman’s bank accounts, charged things on Mehrman’s credit cards, and pawned her jewelry.

Investigation

A toxicology report and analysis of Mehrman’s financial records were used in the investigation.

The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s office report showed the following painkillers and antidepressants in Mehrman’s system: fluoxetine, cyclobenzaprine, oxycodone and hydrocodone. Police said these drugs exceeded 10 times her prescribed amount. Zolpidem was also found in Mehrman’s system; it was not prescribed to her.

When interviewed by detectives, Mallory was unable to explain the high dosages of drugs and the spending, police said.

Arrest and charges

Police arrested Mallory on charges of second-degree murder and aggravated abuse of the elderly.

A case entry listing charges included: 2nd Degree Murder and Aggravated Abuse of the Elderly.

Trial and sentencing

On April 9, 2013, Mallory was sentenced to 30 years in prison.

The sentencing outcome included that she would be followed by 15 years of probation on the murder charge and five years in prison on the abuse charge, to be served concurrently.

Outcome

Mallory was sentenced to 30 years in prison on April 9, 2013.

Other details

Peggy Mehrman was described as being 79 years old.

Mallory’s age was reported as 48 at the time of sentencing and also as 44 in a report from September 25, 2009.

Mehrman’s daughter was Janice Roberts.

Laura McElroy was identified as a spokeswoman for Tampa Police in the narrative describing the investigation and the care arrangement.

Mallory’s husband, Donald, was discussed in relation to an ongoing investigation, and investigators said his legal status was an ongoing investigation.

A timeline detail described in the case entry included:

• The suspect began caring for the victim in November 2007 as a result of the victim's declining health.
• The victim was wheelchair bound and had a debilitating muscular disease that required round the clock care.
• The suspect called 911 and reported the victim deceased in March 2008.
• One day after the victim's death her account was overdrawn.