Handyman convicted in swindle of elderly woman
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A Windber man has been convicted of stealing more than $650,000 from an elderly woman.
Jurors in Cambria County deliberated for only about an hour Wednesday afternoon before convicting 55-year-old Frank Solensky Jr. of all 18 counts of theft by deception.
The 94-year-old woman says she treated Mr. Solensky like a son from 2000 to 2008, and she even listed him in her prepared obituary -- but she's now changed that. Prosecutors said he took the money in 268 checks made out by the woman for inflated costs for home improvement and repair supplies.
Mr. Solensky pleaded guilty in March but later withdrew the plea. He testified Wednesday that he was innocent and had done all work sought by the woman. Mr. Solensky appeared stunned by the verdict and declined to answer questions from reporters as he left the courtroom.
First Published July 29, 2010 9:16 am
