Woman in adult abuse case gets probation, suspended sentence

A woman accused of misspending more than $23,000 as the caretaker of a 77-year-old Newton victim received probation and a suspended prison sentence on Monday.

Renee S. Goeldner, of Beaver Dam, Wis. pleaded guilty to first-degree theft and dependent adult abuse. According to police, the 48-year-old woman made unauthorized purchases for personal gain from the victim’s bank account between Jan. 13, 2014 and April 6, 2015.

District Court Judge Terry Rickers issued a suspended 15-year prison sentence and five years of probation. According to court documents, Goeldner owes more than $46,979 in restitution. Rickers ordered her to “promptly pay in full all restitution and all fees and costs associated with her probation.” She is also ordered to pay $1,750 in court fines, among other fees and surcharges.

Goeldner was initially charged in August 2015 with first-degree theft and dependent adult abuse-financial exploitation following an investigation by the Newton Police Department. Court records say police began investigating the former caretaker and conservator after being alerted to possible abuse.

Full Article & Source:
Woman in adult abuse case gets probation, suspended sentence