CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. (Gray News) – A man in Georgia will spend a decade in prison after stealing $1.35 million from his mother.
Thomas Glenn North III, 64, pleaded guilty to 37 charges in a case “involving neglect, exploitation and theft” of his elderly mother.
North was sentenced to 40 years, with the first 10 years in prison and the rest to serve on probation.
Woodstock Police Department started investigating North after a family member discovered the victim’s bank account had been emptied and her assisted living facility was evicting her due to over-unpaid rent.
North was the power of attorney for his mother and over three years, withdrew $1.35 million from her bank account and trust fund.
“At a vulnerable time in her life, the victim in this case trusted her son to serve as power of attorney, with the expectation that he would safeguard her finances and well-being,” said Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Rachel Hines, of the Special Victims Unit, Office of the District Attorney. “Instead, he shamelessly took funds from a family trust, stole the proceeds of her home sale, and completely depleted her life savings, forcing her to rely on the support of other family members.”
North must also pay the full $1.35 million that he stole at a rate of $50,000 per year. He is also not allowed to contact his mother or any member of her family.
“Elder abuse takes many forms, including theft. Sadly, this is often a crime that involves family members,” said District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway. “What is especially shocking about this case is that this defendant brazenly withdrew thousands of dollars on a regular basis until his mother was left penniless and no longer able to support herself. A lifetime of savings was wiped out in three years.”
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