Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Man charged with bilking elderly woman rejects plea deal


LACONIA – A city man who was scheduled to plead guilty to financially exploiting an elderly woman changed his mind at the 11th hour and is now scheduled to stand trial.

Russell Brown, 61, was indicted in Sept. and charged with using the victim's money for his own profit or advantage in a manner that was not authorized by a durable power of attorney that went into effect in the fall of 2012.

He is accused of taking assets valued at more than $1,500 between Valentine's Day and Halloween in 2014.

On Jan. 11, Defense Attorney Andrew Livernois and Prosecutor Melissa Guldbrandsen had negotiated a settlement that called for Brown to be sentenced to 12 months in jail, six months suspended to be served via administrative home confinement monitored by an electronic bracelet or 12 months house arrest without the bracelet, two years probation and payment of $5,503.72 in restitution.

Brown was suppose to plead guilty and be sentenced on Feb. 8, but decided to reject the plea deal. He remains free on $10,000 personal recognizance bail and is now scheduled to stand trial the week of July 5 or July 11.

The charge is a Class A felony, potentially punishable by a maximum sentence of 7 ½ to 15 years in prison.

Full Article & Source:
Man charged with bilking elderly woman rejects plea deal

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