Woman accused of stealing $120K from elderly lady pleads not guilty

By: News Staff

news@abc6.com

FALL RIVER, M.A. – A Fall River woman pleaded not guilty in Fall River Superior Court on Tuesday stealing more than $120,000 from a 92-year-old woman she provided in-home care.

Authorities say 60-year-old Kathleen King was indicted on a single count of larceny over $250 from a person 60 years of age or older, and that the indictment was the result of an extensive investigation.

King assisted Margaret Jane Welsh cooking, cleaning, shopping and other household tasks, according to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.

King is accused of withdrawing more than $120,000 from Welsh’s checking and savings accounts after gaining the elderly woman’s trust in 2013.

The matter was referred to District Attorney Thomas Quinn’s Elder Abuse and Elder Financial Fraud Unit, which led to the indictment.

King told reporters following her arraignment that she is innocent. "I had her best interests at heart and I did everything she wanted me to do, is all I can say," she explained. "If I did something wrong, it’s because I did it for Jane and she wanted me to do different things. And I just did it, whatever she wanted me to do.""

Quinn alleges King stole the money and used it on personal expenses. "The more vulnerable the individual, the more isolated and obviously the more monies involved, this makes it more egregious," he said.

King has been ordered no contact with Welsh. She was released on $100 personal recognizance and is due back in court November 29.

© WLNE-TV / ABC6 2016