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Exploitation Trial To Open Today

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By TODD LESKANIC

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 3, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY - A couple accused of stealing an elderly woman's home and assets go on trial today.

Joseph and Cynthia Clancy are charged with exploitation of the elderly and grand theft from a person 65 or older. The charges are first-degree felonies punishable by as much as 30 years in prison.

Attorneys in the case have opted for a nonjury trial, so the outcome will be decided by Circuit Judge Jack Day.

Joseph Clancy, 55, and Cynthia Clancy, 45, have pleaded not guilty.

The trial, scheduled to start Tuesday morning, was delayed after an ill prosecution witness who lives in Arizona was unable to make her flight. The witness is expected to be in today, said Assistant State Attorney Mary Handsel.

Testimony is expected to last through Friday.

The Clancys moved in to Eloise Mudway's Hilltop Drive house in 2001 after the death of her longtime friend, Rex McClure. Investigators said they coerced Mudway into signing a power of attorney over to Cynthia Clancy.

The authority was then used to write fraudulent checks on Mudway's bank account, investigators said.

Prosecutors also allege that the Clancys took the Hilltop Drive house from Mudway by tricking her into signing a quit-claim deed.

The Clancys still live in the Hilltop Drive house. Mudway, now 91, has lived elsewhere since 2005.

Mudway will be the state's first witness this morning.

Reporter Todd Leskanic can be reached at (727) 815-1084 or tleskanic@tampatrib.com.

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