Conviction/Sentencing of Woman Who Stole $75,000 From Elderly Neighbor

Bristol County District Attorney Tom Quinn announced today that a Taunton woman who stole around $75,000 from her elderly neighbor over the course of approximately two years was convicted of multiple charges Wednesday in Fall River Superior Court.

Julie Krajewski, 41, of 35 Kilmer, Taunton, pleaded guilty yesterday to charge of larceny over $250 by single scheme, two counts of forgery and two counts of uttering.

Ms. Krajewski, on numerous occasions between 2011 and 2013 was welcomed inside her elderly neighbor’s home to assist the neighbor with daily activities. The victim, who is now 90 years old, kept her checkbook in a kitchen drawer, and unbeknownst to her, the defendant had routinely been taking checks out of order to conceal her crimes and writing them out to herself. During the two year period, Ms. Krajewski fraudulently wrote herself several checks, cashing them at Webster Bank and Bristol County Savings Bank in Taunton.

The defendant decided to plead guilty to the charges Wednesday as part of an angered plea, meaning lawyers on both sides did not agree on the potential sentence she would receive. Citing her lack of criminal record, Ms. Krajewski’s defense attorney asked for no jail time, and instead recommended a probation sentence with restitution.

Assistant District Attorney Jennifer St. Laurent Sowa, however, argued for a one to four year state prison sentence, along with probation and restitution.

Superior Court Judge Rene Dupuis eventually sentenced Ms. Krajewski to serve two-and-a-half years in the Bristol County House of Corrections. She also placed Ms. Krajewski on 10 years probation and ordered her to begin paying restitution to the victim on a weekly basis.

“Our office strongly believes anyone who preys upon and victimize the elderly must face severe consequences. This victim saved up money her entire life in order to comfortably enjoy her senior years and placed trust in the defendant, by allowing her inside of her home. To manipulate that trust in order to rob her of her money is unconscionable and reprehensible,” District Attorney Quinn said. “This office will continue to argue for harsh penalties for anyone convicted of committing crimes against our most vulnerable citizens, whether they be children, the elderly or the handicapped.”