Senior scam artist sentenced to 7 years, 7 months

A 62-year-old woman who emotionally exploited vulnerable and elderly targets – and stole at least $700,000 from them – was given a stiff sentence in Richmond Provincial Court.

Judge Ron Fratkin blistered “confidence trickster” Judith Slobbe with stern words before handing her a seven-year, seven-month sentence for a number of crimes in the Lower Mainland.

Slobbe, who worked as a bookkeeper at Richmond’s Fraserview Intermediate Care Lodge, embezzled more than $700,000 from the family-run business.

While under investigation for that crime, she moved to Port Alberni, where she befriended a number of hurt and lonely seniors, ruthlessly “extracting” money from “extremely vulnerable and easy prey,” Fratkin said in court Thursday morning.

Fratkin’s sentence was greater than the one Crown asked for.

The judge said he believes Slobbe is an “inveterate” con artist who will not change her ways, and must be segregated to protect the public.

“Her duplicity was virtually pathological and her conniving knew no bounds,” Fratkin said.

Donna Baron, whose family owns Fraserview, said she’s happy that Slobbe was ordered to repay more than $700,000 to the family, but she doesn’t know how much money will be recovered.

“I’m really, really glad with what the judge did,” Baron said outside court, her eyes watering and her face trembling with emotion.

“This has been a devastating and traumatic time,” she said. “I’m just glad that justice has finally been served, and the public out there, especially seniors, are now safe.”

Slobbe was described by victims and in court as a friendly “grandmother” type who skilfully won the trust of people going through tough times.

In court, Slobbe, who was known to wear fabulously expensive clothing and jewelry, wore a grey prison-issue sweat top. She sat turned to the wall while Fratkin spoke of her crimes and the “scars” of her victims, who would likely never trust others again, Fratkin said.

Slobbe pleaded guilty in March to 13 embezzlement and theft charges.

scooper@theprovince.com