Marathon County Courthouse. MWC file photo.
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — The woman accused of swindling thousands from an elderly person over whom she had power of attorney will go to trial this winter.
Ramona Bartell will face a jury between December 2nd and 11th for charges related to theft in a business setting and theft of movable property. Investigators say she took thousands of dollars for trips, personal items, appliances, and other things that did not appear to benefit the victim.
Among the alleged purchases were iPads, a grill, household appliances, and everyday items such as gas and groceries.
The victim had been declared incompetent before her death five years ago. Bartell and another woman, Melissa Stark, were enlisted to handle her finances. Stark has already been convicted for her role in the scheme.
Bartell, 69, was scheduled for trial this spring. That was delayed while a new prosecutor was assigned to the case. If found guilty, she faces up to 16 years in prison and thousands in fines.
Additional court hearings are scheduled for June 18th and November 11th.



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