February 20, 2008 – Breaking news out of Tampa Florida
Authorities: Caretaker stole nearly $500K from blind woman, 93
LUTZ — A former caretaker has been arrested after stealing nearly $500,000 from a 93-year-old blind woman, authorities said.
Barbara J. Mulert, 61, worked as a caretaker for Lutz resident Kathryn Dahman, 93, from 2001 to 2007. During that time she liquidated a brokerage account, transferred the money to Dahman’s checking account and used the money to pay her own bills, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. The total amount stolen: $487,584.
A neighbor picked up Dahman’s mail and saw suspicious purchase statements. Mulert, of 1426 Williams Road, Lutz, was arrested Tuesday on charges of grand theft, organized fraud and exploitation of the elderly. She is free from jail on $45,000 bail.
She may have other victims, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Anyone who employed her as a caretaker in the past and lost money is asked to call (813) 247-8779.
–Thomas Lake, Times staff writer
THIS HAPPENS FREQUENTLY! Please don’t let your friends or family be victimized!