Sunday, May 19, 2013

Latest local news, weather and high school sports for Tri-State area

Florida woman in adoption scam gets more prison time
Posted: 02.05.2009 at 10:22 AM
2
Photo

FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA (AP) -- A Florida woman accused of abusing 11 disabled children she adopted -- while pocketing more than $1 million in subsidies -- has been sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Judith Leekin pleaded no contest Wednesday to charges of aggravated child abuse.

The sentence was the maximum called for in her plea agreement.

The children were adopted in New York City before Leekin moved to Florida in 1998.

The 63-year-old, who moved to the U.S. from Trinidad, is accused of beating and handcuffing the children.

Authorities say she also deprived them of food, medical care and school.

Leekin was sentenced in July in New York federal court to nearly 11 years in prison for fraud.

That sentence will run concurrently with the Florida prison term.

(Copyright ©2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Popular Stories
Thumbnail
Body of missing Rushville man found
Jeff Mondlock  |  Yesterday at 3:33 PM  |  2 comments
Thumbnail
Three Quincy residents arrested after Thursday night drug raid
KHQA Newsdesk  |  Yesterday at 4:34 PM  |  2 comments
Thumbnail
Terrorism conspiracy charge for Fort Madison man
KHQA Newsdesk  |  Friday, May 17, 2013  |  10 comments
Follow Connect Tri-States
Get news and weather notifications on your phone by downloading the iPhone or Android app below
Sign up to get alerts and updates for breaking news, severe weather, and deals:
submit
ADVERTISEMENT
Special Features
Home & Garden
Home and garden info from our experts
Expert Connect Auto
Automotive info from our experts
Beauty & Wellness
Beauty and wellness info from our experts
Senior Living
Info on senior living from our experts
ADVERTISEMENT