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April 24, 2009

Embezzler sent to prison

[-BULLET-] Constable woman stole from former boyfriend who has cancer

By DENISE A. RAYMO

CONSTABLE — Supporters of cancer patient Ronald Feinman packed the Franklin County Courtroom Thursday to watch a Constable woman be sentenced for stealing his life savings.

Audrey J. Lindsey, 57, was sentenced to two concurrent 3½-to-7-year terms in state prison for third-degree grand larceny and second-degree possession of a forged instrument for embezzling $65,000 from her former boyfriend.

SAVINGS LOST
Ronald's brother, Michael Feinman, read a victim-impact statement, asking Acting County Court Judge Penelope Clute to sentence Lindsey to the maximum penalty for stealing his brother's wealth, health, pride and self-esteem.

He said Lindsey did not pay Ronald's insurance premiums, which made his coverage lapse, and that his brother was humiliated to learn from a neighbor that his name was published as a delinquent taxpayer.

Ronald found out Lindsey had not paid the property taxes for five years, which amounted to $13,000, and he was denied a loan when he attempted to save his farm.

Michael said all of this occurred "while esophageal cancer ate at him," causing Ronald to lose 180 pounds.

"He worked 16 hours a day to see, and to build for, his golden years," Michael said, but because of Lindsey, he now has to struggle to regain his reputation and to make a living.

"He says, 'I just can't cry anymore. What did I do to deserve this?"

BUYING LOVE
Lindsey told the judge that in the 15 months she's been confined to County Jail and speaking with counselors there, she realized she was trying to buy her family's love by lavishing her daughters and grandchildren with gifts, using Feinman's money.

"I know what I did was wrong, and I realize that now. I couldn't tell anyone 'no'. I was afraid they wouldn't love me anymore. I never, ever meant to hurt him and did not want to see him sick.

"I realize I hurt him, and I have to live with that for the rest of my life."

Lindsay said her job as a cook and live-in companion at a private home for the elderly will be waiting for her when she is released.

PAST CRIMES
The judge noted that Lindsey has a criminal history dating back to 1975, with dozens of bad-check convictions, and that she is now a second-felony offender.

She ordered Lindsey to repay $65,000 and tacked on court fees and surcharges, bringing the total to $71,770.

"I fear the only way to pay it off is to steal it from somebody else," Clute said, adding that she hopes Lindsey does not get rehired where she could prey on "the vulnerable elderly people" in her care.

She told Feinman and his supporters to "accept you are not going to see the money again. I will sign an order to pay restitution but have no confidence it will happen."

Lindsey glanced briefly at the gallery then lowered her eyes again as she shuffled out of the court, handcuffed and shackled about the waist.

Court-security officers warned the crowd not to block the hallway, to speak or to look in as they passed the room where she was taken by sheriff's deputies.

And as they filed past the waist-high wall of wooden spindles separating spectators from the well for court personnel, the Feinman brothers and the 18 people with them quietly thanked and shook hands with District Attorney Derek Champagne, one by one.

E-mail Denise A. Raymo at: draymo@pressrepublican.com.

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