Saturday, October 12, 2013

Woman Accepts Plea Deal In Theft From Elderly Mother


BARTOW | A 43-year-old woman accepted a plea deal Tuesday on charges of stealing more than $40,000 while acting as her mother's court-appointed guardian.

Diana Copley pleaded guilty to exploitation of an elderly person. Her sentencing is set for Nov. 12.
If Copley repays $36,922 in restitution by the time of her sentencing hearing, she is expected to receive 120 days in jail followed by three years of probation, according to the plea agreement.

If she does not repay the amount, Copley is expected to receive about a year in jail followed by three years of probation.

Copley was arrested in November 2012 after investigators say she took money from her mother, Virginia Rieke of Lakeland.

In October 2008, a judge wrote that Rieke, who at the time was 76, needed a guardian because she was "totally incapacitated."

Stephen R. Menge, an investigator with the State Attorney's Office in Bartow, wrote in a complaint affidavit that Copley abused her position as guardian and financially exploited her mother.

Full Article and Source:
Woman Accepts Plea Deal In Theft From Elderly Mother

2 comments:

Thelma said...

Is overbilling and emptying an estate by a professional guardian any different than stealing?

Barbara said...

A plea deal is best all around, but I'd be happier if community service was included in the plea.