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Murray Today
By the People, for the People
Caregiver pleads guilty to stealing hundreds of thousands from dying woman
Leslie Lockhart stole funds from 74-year-old Maria Judy over 18 months before her death.
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
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A caregiver and financial advisor named Leslie Lockhart, 53, of Murray, Kentucky has pled guilty to stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from a dying woman named Maria Judy, 74, whom Lockhart was tasked with caring for and assisting financially. Lockhart stole the funds by forging checks, making unauthorized withdrawals, and other illegal means over an 18-month period before Judy's death in December 2024.
Why it matters
This case highlights the vulnerability of elderly and dying individuals, and the need for stronger safeguards and oversight to protect them from financial exploitation by those entrusted to care for them. It also raises questions about the adequacy of background checks and monitoring for in-home caregivers.
The details
Between May 2023 and December 2024, Lockhart stole funds from Judy by forging checks on her checking account, making unauthorized withdrawals from her stock accounts and 401(k). As part of the plea agreement, Lockhart will receive an eight-year prison sentence and must pay $300,000 in restitution to Judy's estate, with $100,000 due within 30 days.
- Judy died on December 9, 2024 at age 74.
- Lockhart's thefts occurred between May 2023 and December 2024.
- Lockhart pled guilty this week in a Calloway County courtroom.
- Formal sentencing is scheduled for April 20.
The players
Leslie Lockhart
A 53-year-old caregiver and financial advisor who pled guilty to stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from her elderly client, Maria Judy.
Maria Judy
A 74-year-old woman who died in December 2024, and whose caregiver Leslie Lockhart stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from over an 18-month period.
What’s next
Formal sentencing for Leslie Lockhart is scheduled for April 20.
The takeaway
This case underscores the importance of thorough background checks, ongoing monitoring, and stronger regulations to protect vulnerable elderly and dying individuals from financial exploitation by their caregivers.
