The Springfield, Illinois State Journal-Register reports:

"Sandra Gayle, 65, of Springfield was convicted of financial exploitation of the elderly and financial exploitation of a person with a disability. A Sangamon County jury deliberated a little more than an hour Friday before returning the verdict.

Prosecutors introduced testimony over the course of the four-day trial to show that Gayle used her own family to gain the trust of the doctor. Gayle, who had the victim’s power of attorney, then “gifted” easily more than $300,000 from the doctor’s bank account to herself, relatives and friends, testimony indicated.

Gayle could receive from 4 to 15 years in prison when she is sentenced Nov. 19 by Associate Judge John Mehlick. Her crimes also are probationable."

Perhaps the most shocking piece of the news is that State’s Attorney Jay Magnuson stated that  the Gayle case is the first financial exploitation of the elderly case to go to trial in Sangamon County in the 14 years he has been a prosecutor here.  Think about it.  How many cases have you seen of this type of abuse?  It’s time to get serious and stop this crime.

Hat tip to Estate of Denial