WOMAN FOUND GUILTY IN THEFT FROM 61 YEAR-OLD QUADRIPLEGIC WOMAN

WHEATON - DuPage County State’s Attorney Joseph E. Birkett today announced that Latasha Powell, 36 (d.o.b. 3/11/72) of 512 Alton Court, Carol Stream, was found guilty of stealing jewelry from a sixty-one year-old quadriplegic Bensenville woman in her care.

From April through July of 2006 Powell, one of the victim’s caregivers, stole the merchandise, including jewelry from the victim while she was taking care of her in her home.   In addition, Powell, on more than one occasion, entered her victim’s home without permission and stole valuables.  The theft was discovered by the victim who immediately notified the Bensenville Police Department.  Through their investigation, Bensenville Police learned that Powell stole the items and then would sell the stolen items at local pawn shops.  The value of the missing jewelry is estimated at between $6,900 and $13,000.  To date, none of the items have been recovered.

“Latasha Powell is not a ‘caregiver’ by any stretch of the imagination,” commented Birkett.   “She was entrusted by an elderly, disabled woman to assist her with her daily living and she repaid that trust by stealing the woman’s valuables and selling them for her own benefit.  Her scheme was brought to a halt however, thanks to the victim’s own diligence and the Bensenville Police Department.  I would like to thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Mary Cronin and Dave Imielski for their work on this case in bringing Ms. Powell to justice.”

In today’s bench trial, which Judge Robert Anderson presided over, Powell was found guilty of three counts of Theft and two counts of Financial Exploitation of an Elderly or Disabled Person.  

A Sentencing hearing for Powell has been set for July 23, 2008.

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