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.
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