Elder Abuse Forensics

Way to go Los Angeles county!

In the general field of forensics, Los Angeles has led the way in innovation and training officers and investigators. They had the first forensic crime lab in 1924 and set the standard for future American crime labs. Forensics exists because such detailed specialization is needed in all crimes to properly collect evidence so that investigators can find out "who done it" and so that evidence may be eventually admitted in court. It's very good to see the specialization taking a turn into the world of elder abuse.

"The Los Angeles County Elder Abuse Forensic Center is a multidisciplinary team of professionals that provides expert and comprehensive case examination, documentation, consultation and prosecution of elder and dependent adult abuse cases. Partnered with the University of Southern California, the Los Angeles County Forensic Center is funded by the Archstone Foundation and the UniHealth Foundation."

The best thing is they are not just about legality and evidence. They also offer support services to vicims and their families! This is the kind of change we need in this country. Hopefully, it won't take too much longer for this crime to be taken seriously and handled with professionalism across the country.

Please check out The Los Angeles County Elder Abuse Forensic Center's full website.

Only Two Years?

Woman sent to prison for stealing from mother (click for original link)

Akron -- An unrepentant daughter.

An unforgiving mother.

A breach of love and trust led Wednesday to a two-year prison sentence for Jerelyn Sue Estright, who sold her mother's house without her knowledge and spent up to $94,000 on travel to Irish festivals and gifts to herself and others.

Estright, 60, of Barberton, had been convicted of theft. Estright apologized but indicated to Summit County Common Pleas Judge Thomas Teodosio she deserved the money for all she had done for her mother.

"For many, many years I was the only person on her side," she said. "My life revolved around her. I was the only one to care about her. I still am."

Estright's mother, Leora Harrison, didn't buy it.

"The whole ordeal has touched on every emotion a mother could have," she told the judge. "Jeri had no thought except for her own greed.

"It hurts for me to say this but Jeri needs to spend some time in prison to think about all the people she has affected," said Harrison, 85.

Scott Shaw/The Plain Dealer Leora Harrison reads her wishes for the sentencing of her daughter, Jerelyn Sue Estright, who was convicted of stealing money from her. The attorneys are Mike Todd and Joy Wagner.

Estright's daughter, Katie Estright, sobbed as her mother was led away in handcuffs. Estright's mother showed no emotion.

Harrison gave Estright power of attorney in 2002 to handle her affairs, prosecutors said. In 2005, when Harrison was hospitalized, Estright sold her Barberton home for $104,000, putting the money in a joint checking account. She stored furniture, sold items on Ebay and kept jewelry and other personal items.

Harrison, who lived in an assisted living facility, initially was unaware the home was sold.

Scott Shaw/The Plain DealerJerelyn Sue Estright waits to leave the courtroom after sentencing at the Summit County Courthouse in Akron.

In December 2005, Estright moved $94,000 to a personal account. Harrison and another daughter wondered how Estright, who was unemployed, could afford to eat out, take trips and buy gifts, including a digital camera and a copy machine.

They sought bank records and filed a police report in December 2006. Estright was convicted after a five-day trial.

Her attorney, Joy Wagner, asked Teodosio to place Estright on probation, saying she had no prior convictions and would pay restitution.

Assistant prosecutor Mike Todd said Estright continued to spend money even after she was charged and had shown no remorse until she told Teodosio she was sorry.

Teodosio ordered Estright to return her mother's personal items and set a hearing to determine how much she owes.

(Click title for original link. Published in the Plain Dealer. 08-06-08)

Really? Only 2 years?