Jakob Blodgett, a 9-year-old with Type 1 diabetes, died in 2022 after receiving care at a group home operated by Sunshine Residential Homes in Arizona. According to available records, staff members missed insulin doses and did not properly respond to the child’s elevated blood glucose readings. After two missed doses of long-acting insulin, Blodgett developed brain swelling and was hospitalized on a ventilator before dying from diabetes-related complications. No penalties were imposed in connection with his death.
The case has become entangled in political controversy as records show Sunshine Residential Homes made substantial political donations to Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs, including $100,000 to her inaugural fund and $150,000 to a legal defense fund. Months after these contributions, the company received a rate increase from the state. Republican legislators have questioned the circumstances, while Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes investigated but found no evidence of bribery. Mayes’ office concluded that Sunshine’s rate increases resulted from the company’s status as the state’s largest group home provider and its leverage as a critical service, not from political considerations. The company had indicated it would reduce bed capacity and redirect resources to housing unaccompanied immigrant children for the federal government if it did not receive increased rates.
Multiple investigations remain ongoing, including a separate inquiry by the state auditor general’s office and the Maricopa County Attorney, a Republican. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office has also interviewed Sunshine employees as part of a criminal investigation into Blodgett’s death, though no charges have been filed. The case has become a focal point in the governor’s reelection campaign, with Republican challenger U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs highlighting the scandal. Gov. Hobbs maintains she was not involved in the rate increase decision, stating it was handled by the Department of Child Safety based on the best interests of the department and children in care.
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