Pine County authorities are asking the public to help them find a man who was paid to care for a 10-year-old disabled girl who starved to death in 2006.

Investigators allege that in addition to failing to provide crucial care to Lakesha Victor, caregiver Ti-Heim Darrien Coston conspired with the girl's mother to falsify Coston's time sheets and defraud the state Medical Assistance program of nearly $49,000.

"These two [stole] $48,000 from the state of Minnesota while her daughter just withered away and died," said Chief Deputy Steve Ovick of the Pine County Sheriff's Office. "It's horrible."

The mother, Ludusky Sue Hotchkiss, 29, was charged in August with second-degree murder and manslaughter and is scheduled for trial in January.

Lakesha was found dead in her family's home in Hinckley by authorities. She weighed only 31 pounds at the time of her death. She had suffered from cerebral palsy, autism and a seizure disorder that left her unable to speak and in a wheelchair. She was fed through a tube connected to her stomach.

Coston, 33, was charged with criminal neglect, five counts of theft, and failure to report [neglect]. Ovick said Coston was charged in August, but authorities kept that fact quiet because they didn't want to scare him deeper into hiding.

ATM activity traced Coston to Las Vegas, but the lead dried up, Ovick said, explaining why authorities now want help.

"We want to put an end to this," he said. "We still haven't got him in custody, and we are asking the public if you've seen this guy, give us a call. We want to get him in jail."

Ovick said investigators speculate that the two defendants had a romantic relationship. Coston has a history of theft by swindle, along with three outstanding warrants.

According to charges, Coston was employed by Brighter Day Inc. and falsely reported on his time cards the hours he worked and the services he provided. In addition to not being fed, Lakesha also was not taken to physical therapy or occupational therapy.

The case took three years to investigate because witnesses were at times unavailable, and investigators wanted to be sure of their findings, Ovick said.

Abby Simons • 612-673-4921