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Deputies: Caregiver Stole $487,584 From 93-Year-Old

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By JOSH POLTILOVE, The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 21, 2008

TAMPA - While serving as a 93-year-old blind woman's caregiver, Barbara J. Mulert bilked the woman out of nearly $500,000, Hillsborough County deputies said Wednesday.

Mulert, 61, of Lutz, was the woman's caregiver from January 2001 to November. During that time, Mulert liquidated a brokerage account in the woman's name and transferred the money to the woman's checking account, a sheriff's office news release stated.

Mulert transferred the money to have easier access to it, deputies said, and then used the money to pay her own bills without the woman's permission.

The victim, Kathryn Dahman, learned of the scheme after a neighbor retrieved Dahman's mail and discovered the statements for purchases.

Dahman lost $487,584, deputies said.

Deputies arrested Mulert on Tuesday at her home, 1426 Williams Road, Lutz.

She was charged with exploitation of the elderly, scheming to defraud and grand theft. Each charge is a first-degree felony, which could result in sentences of 15 years per count, deputies say.

Her bail was set at $45,000, and she has been released. Mulert declined to comment.

A woman who answered the telephone at Dahman's home said Dahman would not speak to the media.

An investigation is ongoing, and deputies say there may be other victims. Others who have employed Mulert as a caregiver and are missing money should call (813) 247-8779, deputies said.

Reporter Josh Poltilove can be reached at (813) 259-7691 or jpoltilove@tampatrib.com.

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