Woman Must Repay Over $350K Stolen from Elderly Mother
A 50-year-old woman pleaded guilty to three counts of embezzlement but she avoided a prison sentence in favor of repaying $600 per month in compensation to her 76-year-old mother over a period of 5 years. In total, Carol Brazeika owes $355,800 in compensation which includes $1,600 prior to receiving her sentencing.
In addition, Brazeika must show proof that she is financially able to pay more than the minimum required of her throughout the 5 years. The original charges of 14 felony counts of embezzlement would have led to a 20-year prison sentence but brought the sentence down to 5 years probation through a plea agreement. The report states that none of Brazeika’s mother’s money was recoverable as it was spent at casinos and purchasing a car among other things.
Many people would argue that simply paying back the money that Brazeika owned to her mother is not enough of a punishment after the emotional toll it likely had on her mother. Nothing can alleviate or dull the emotional suffering that Brazeika’s mother may have felt after almost losing her entire life savings because of her daughter’s actions. In most cases, financial exploitation or abuse can be repaid monetarily but the emotional damage it causes can never be repaired. Therefore, even though the sentence against Brazeika has been significantly reduced, her mother is still getting the justice she deserves after the burden of financial loss she suffered. While it may take some time for her life to be back to normal, getting the justice and compensation she deserves is one of the most important things that could help.
