Toledo nurse sentenced in theft from elderly employer

3/10/2010

A registered nurse who spent years caring for an elderly Toledo man was sentenced to community control yesterday for taking money from the now-deceased man.

Patricia Wardrop, 60, of 4859 South Crestridge Rd. was sentenced to five years probation and ordered to pay $200,000 to the estate of Norbert Clendenin.

She pleaded no contest Dec. 17 to one count of theft from the elderly or disabled.

Authorities said Wardrop was a caregiver for Mr. Clendenin and that over time acquired money and gifts from him.

Family members initiated the investigation into Wardrop in 2005.

Judge James Bates acknowledged that there was a dispute as to how much money was taken from Mr. Clendenin.

He noted that the family had filed a civil lawsuit and that Wardrop faced the possibility of an additional judgment.

Wardrop faces a hearing before the Ohio Board of Nursing, which could revoke her license.