Montco Woman Believed On The Lam After Swindling Disabled Charge
HATFIELD, Pa. (CBS) - Authorities in Montgomery County are working closely with law enforcement officials from around the world trying to track down a Lansdale, Pa. woman accused of duping a disabled stroke victim she was caring for.
Prosecutors have filed theft and related charges against Janet Gitney, but they say the 54-year-old woman has fled the country and they believe she is now in the Philippines.
Gitney is accused of stealing the retirement savings and the home of the 57-year-old victim from Hatfield whom she was caring for, after he was duped by his previous caregivers.
Montgomery County district attorney Risa Ferman says an international manhunt is now underway.
"We want to bring her back," Ferman says. "In addition to victimizing this particular person, there are other investigations that are ongoing relating to other people."
Sources tell KYW Newsradio that Gitney was also caring for her own father, who died a few days after she fled the country.
Authorities learned of Gitney's alleged crimes when a man identifying himself as the victim's cousin called police to report that the home had been swindled from the disabled victim.
Reported by Brad Segall, KYW Newsradio 1060
