"The crimes of Jordan Nicole Borders are some of the most horrific and heartbreaking I’ve ever seen," Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said after the sentencing on 7/8.
Borders was convicted on 5/6 of 11 counts, including attempted murder, child torture, and theft by swindle of medical care costs.
The investigation into the abuse began in 2022 after Minnesota Children's Hospital treated one of the children. Doctors became suspicious when Borders' 9-year-old son had "dangerously low hemoglobin" with no clear explanation.
They realized Borders' two other children also had various medical issues. Her 8-year-old daughter wore a hearing aid not prescribed by a doctor, causing sores behind her ears. Her 11-year-old son wore a brace for over two years for supposedly having brittle bones.
When questioned, the children told police their mother used a syringe to draw blood from their 9-year-old brother, pretending he was dying from a mysterious illness. Borders then sought online donations to care for her supposedly terminally ill son.
The children told police their mother often forced them to vomit before doctor's appointments to feign illness. She also regularly physically abused them with electrical cords and belts, threatening to withhold food. If they disobeyed, she made them stand outside naked.
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Jordan Nicole Borders was arrested in 2022. Photo: Crow Wing County Jail |
Jordan Nicole Borders was arrested in 2022. Photo: Crow Wing County Jail
Borders received Medicaid assistance, gifts, and money from non-profit organizations after lying about her children's health. She received over 18,000 USD from the state of Minnesota and over 35,000 USD from charities.
According to the prosecutor, the children’s health problems were all caused by Borders. After the abuse came to light, the 9-year-old boy was taken into protective custody in 5/2022. The other two children were removed from the home in 7/2022.
Borders' husband also faces charges of neglect and child abuse. Both parents lost custody of their three children after a court hearing in 12/2022.
Tue Anh (according to Brainerd Dispatch)
