Karl Sanchez Sentenced for Neglecting an Elder Woman in His Care

DENVER—On February 10, 2023, Karl A. Sanchez (age 52) was found guilty by a Denver jury of neglecting an elder woman for whom he was a caretaker and had power of attorney. Sanchez also stole the victim’s inheritance from her family, which she received in 2021, and recorded a document purporting to gift him her home. The jury found Sanchez guilty of neglect resulting in serious bodily injury to an at-risk individual (F5), theft from an at-risk person (F3) and of offering a false instrument (M2). At trial, the jury also found Sanchez guilty of the sentence enhancing charge of committing a violent crime, causing serious bodily injury to an elder.

“Cases like this are the reason why I created our Elder and At-Risk Unit,” said Denver DA Beth McCann. “A good Samaritan recognized the deplorable and heartbreaking condition in which this victim was living and got her the medical help she needed to survive another day. This good Samaritan is the hero of this story and because of her actions, justice was served.”

On April 17, 2023, the Honorable Judge Jay Grant sentenced Sanchez to serve concurrent prison sentences of four years for each felony count. Sanchez was sentenced to one year on the misdemeanor charge also to be served concurrently. In addition, the sentence included three years parole. The case was investigated by detectives in the Special Victims’ Unit of Denver Police Department.

About the Denver DA’s Office:
Our mission is to professionally and competently prosecute crimes and investigate criminal activity on behalf of the people of the State of Colorado and to seek equal justice for all in the criminal justice system. Our mission includes the prevention and deterrence of crimes, support of the well-being of victims, participation in the community, transparency, accountability, and improvement of the criminal justice system to provide fair alternatives to incarceration in appropriate cases.

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