How does someone become such a lowlife human being that they could rationalize taking advantage of old people like this guy in my former state of Washington did? Appalling......LONGVIEW -- At his sentencing hearing, Tom Sigea described himself as a simple man inept at finances. But investigators say Sigea squandered his elderly parents' money.
Judge Jill Johanson sentenced Sigea on Thursday in Cowlitz County Superior Court to 28 months in prison on four counts of first-degree theft. Sigea had earlier entered a modified guilty plea, in which he did not admit guilt but acknowledged he likely would be convicted if the case went to trial.
Sigea lived with his parents -- who were in their 80s and suffering from dementia-- for three years in their $400,000 Kalama home. Investigators say he lived well while his parents, who had $1 million in assets, lived downstairs in filth and poverty.
The 53-year-old had full power of attorney over his parents' affairs after he persuaded his brother to give up his share of that privilege.
Sigea's mother Lila Sigea has died. His father Albert now lives with a grandson in California. Deputy Prosecutor James Smith told the judge that Albert Sigea wanted his son to receive a severe penalty.
Sarah Flohr, the Cowlitz Bank trust officer handling the Sigea estate, says the stolen cash, legal costs and other expenses amount to about $850,000.
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