Closing arguments begin in months long Fresno County fraud trial

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- Closing arguments began Monday in a trial that has lasted for two months, with a Fresno County jury hearing from prosecutors one more time.

"They worked together in a joint venture, not out of love for Mr. Hansen, but out of greed to steal his money and his property," prosecutor Lisa Urrizola said.

Gina Abercrombie and her fiancé, Justin Teel, are each accused of fraud. They have pleaded not guilty.

Investigators believe the two impersonated the woman's late stepfather, who owned the Sherwood Forest Golf Club near Sanger. Prosecutors say it is a case of elder abuse that totaled more than $800,000 and lasted for years after Randy Hansen died.

"The amount of money she blew through, that they both blew through, is staggering," Urrizola said.

For nearly four hours, prosecutors flipped through papers as they made their case to the jury, recapping dozens of witnesses over eight weeks.

"You've heard it all from every single witness that took that stand," Urrizola said.

Through the proceedings, Abercrombie and Teel seemed to pay close attention. At times, they nodded, appeared to take notes and whispered to their attorneys. Each faces more than five years in prison if convicted.

"Justin Teel and Gina Abercrombie aided and abetted each other for three long years," Urrizola said.

Defense attorneys began their closing arguments late Monday afternoon. They have previously said that theft or attempted theft did not happen.

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