In Pierre, South Dakota, a couple from Texas has been sentenced to a total of 10 years in prison and a $86,000 fine. Attorney General Marty Jackley confirmed the verdict on Tuesday. The couple was found guilty of six charges related to stealing or attempting to steal someone else’s property.
Instead of serving time in prison, the defendants were sentenced to probation. The court suspended all prison time for them.
Richard Spry, aged 82, from League City, Texas, has been convicted of two counts of Grand Theft and one count of Conspiracy to Commit Grand Theft. As a result, he has been sentenced to five years in prison and fined $44,000. Additionally, he will be placed on probation for four years.
Susan Spry, a 75-year-old resident of League City, Texas, has been sentenced to five years in prison on multiple felony counts, which include Grand Theft and Conspiracy to Commit Grand Theft. Additionally, she has been charged with one misdemeanor count of Theft by Exploitation. Apart from the prison sentence, Susan has also been placed on probation for four years and fined $42,000.
The South Dakota Office of the Attorney General has reported that the duo has been found guilty of stealing money or property from elderly or disabled adults. The thefts were committed in the range of $100,000 to $500,000 and involved money taken from bank accounts.
During the sentencing on Tuesday, the state proposed a jail term of 10 years for every defendant.
According to Attorney General Jackley, the defendants have disrupted the financial stability of a vulnerable member of our society. He further added that the Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation Unit of the Attorney General’s office is committed to safeguarding the elderly from such unscrupulous individuals who attempt to take advantage of their challenging circumstances.
The South Dakota Office of the Attorney General is the source of the information.
