Bethesda man charged with abuse of 87-year-old mother

A former Montgomery County Council candidate is in big trouble after being accused of abusing his elderly mother.

The 87-year-old woman has been hospitalized in serious condition and the Bethesda home they shared has been condemned.

James Kirkland shared the home with his mother for decades, according to neighbors. Now he is facing elder abuse charges after calling 911 for his mother -- a person he was caring for.

"We see him outside working on his cars, and to tell you the truth, I didn't even know he had a mother," said neighbor Jana Bowcut.

But when crews arrived to the home at 3 a.m. last Friday, they found her with sores on her legs and backside. Her compression socks were fused into her skin so bad that they had to be surgically removed.

When she was taken to the hospital, doctors also found her spine exposed which was covered by newspaper and white powder.

"Fire and Rescue was called and brought her to the hospital to seek medical attention, where the police were notified by medical personnel," said Montgomery County Police Capt. Paul Starks. "Then we began our investigation."

The former political candidate was later arrested and has been released on bond.

As of now, it does not appear he has been ordered to stay away from his parent.

The woman did have another son in the home, but due to his mental condition, he is not connected to the charges.