A Kalispell woman denied charges that she left her elderly mother to die covered in her own waste while staying in the same home.

Jean Kathleen Fox, 54, pleaded not guilty to the charge of elder abuse, a felony, on March 9 before Flathead District Court Judge Robert Allison.

Court records state that Fox reported the unattended death of her mother on May 16, 2016. Fox claimed to have been living with and caring for her mother since 2013.

Authorities reportedly found her mother’s body on a hospital bed inside the home, the bedding soaked in urine and fecal matter.

Officers noted the woman’s body was also covered in fecal matter.

Authorities allegedly found sores on the woman’s arms, a 1-inch abscess on her back, and possible gangrene and sores on her right foot.

Fox admitted to needing help taking care of her mother and said she had considered setting up hospice care for her.

If convicted, Fox faces up to 10 years in Montana State Prison and a $50,000 fine. A jury trial has been set for May 30.

Reporter Mary Cloud Taylor can be reached at 758-4459 or [email protected].