Woman sentenced for bilking elderly lady

RENO (AP) - A Reno woman has been placed on probation for financially exploiting an elderly woman out of her savings.

The state Parole and Probation Division had recommended a term of four to 10 years for 64-year-old Peggy Six.

But Washoe County District Judge Janet Berry on Thursday said prison would not help Six pay $337,166 in restitution for money she stole from 88-year-old Gayle Savage.

Six testified against co-defendant Robin Benjamin at a trial in December, when Benjamin was found guilty of exploiting Savage. She awaits sentencing.

The Reno Gazette-Journal reports the exploitation caused Savage to become a ward of the state, and taxpayers next year must begin footing her $8,000 monthly fee for care through Medicaid.

Six befriended Savage 18 years ago when they were neighbors.