March 7, 2003

Contact: Lynn Kimbrough,

720-913-9025

MAN GETS PRISON FOR POWER-OF-ATTORNEY FRAUD

A 56-year-old man who stole more than $300,000 from an elderly, disabled woman was sentenced to 18 years in prison today by Denver District Court Judge Martin Egelhoff. 

In January, David Hobdy (DOB: 5-3-46) pleaded guilty to theft (F3) after he gained power-of-attorney for the victim and used her money for his own benefit. 

Deputy DA Melanie Names with the Denver District Attorney’s Office argued for the lengthy prison term on behalf of the victim.  The woman, who is 80-years-old, appeared at today’s sentencing hearing.  From a wheelchair she told the judge how Hobdy had taken everything from her.  She explained that before Hobdy stole her money, she had enough to care for herself.  She told the judge that now she has nothing and lives on assistance in a nursing home. 

Hobdy has been in the Denver County Jail since his arrest last October and will now be sent to the Department of Corrections.  A restitution order was also entered by the Court for $315,000 but there is little likelihood that the victim will ever be repaid.

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