Woman accused of scamming 96-year-old out of over $100,000 sentenced to a year in jail

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Walter Berg slowly made his way out of court Friday. Family members said the 96-year-old World War II veteran is anxious to move on and live out his golden years.

Inside court, the woman who once took care of him was led away in handcuffs.

"I can just tell you that Miss Alejandrez, she is sorry for what happened to Mr. Berg, it was never her intention to hurt Mr. Berg," said Sam Salhab, Alejandrez' attorney.

Four years ago Delilah Alejandrez was hired to cook and clean and handle his bills. But instead, Fresno County Sheriff's investigators said she swindled the retired city of Fresno Controller.

In less than a year, deputies uncovered records showing Alejandrez paid herself more than $141,000. But berg's niece said she took money and far more meaningful things.

"She took my Uncle Walt's wedding band, his beloved Doris' wedding band. She took a diamond engagement ring, and Doris' sterling silver watch," said Kristi Dean, victim's niece.

Family members also accused Alejandrez of isolating Berg from his relatives and disconnecting his landline. They said she got him a cell phone but took it with her every time she left his home.

Alejandrez claims she has lost everything she had behind these charges, and that it will take a lifetime to pay off what she owes.

In addition to criminal charges, family members have filed a civil lawsuit asking for $1.6-million. So Alejandrez could have many more problems after she serves her one year term.