Local businesswoman sentenced to jail stint for swindling elderly friend

PLATTSBURGH | A local cafe owner has been sentenced to 90 days in jail, five years' probation and ordered to pay restitution for stealing tens of thousands of dollars from an elderly acquaintance. Norma Hill, 60, returned to Clinton County Court for sentencing following her March 2026 conviction for stealing from a man who had entrusted her with power of attorney in February 2019. Hill, the owner and manager of Norma J's Café and Bakeshop, used her authority under the power of attorney to access the victim's bank account and transfer funds from his checking account into her own accounts without his permission. Prosecutors said the unauthorized online transactions occurred between February 2019 and October 2024. Evidence presented at trial showed that Hill used the stolen funds to cover expenses related to her restaurant. Following an investigation by the Plattsburgh Police Department that uncovered the full extent of the theft through financial records and witness interviews, Hill was indicted in August 2025 on one count of third-degree grand larceny. During the jury trial, prosecutors introduced bank records, witness testimony, and other evidence demonstrating that Hill systematically exploited her access to the victim's finances under the power of attorney. The jury returned a guilty verdict after approximately two hours of deliberation. "The victim in this matter trusted Ms. Hill and considered her like a daughter. The evidence overwhelmingly established that she took advantage of that trust for her own financial gain," Assistant District Attorney Jeffrey Kehm stated. The Honorable Keith M. Bruno presided over Thursday's sentencing and imposed a sentence of 90 days in jail, restitution and a five-year term of probation, despite the prosecution's request for a longer prison sentence. "Financial crimes against the elderly are unfortunately on the rise. My office will tirelessly work to ensure that individuals who take advantage of the most vulnerable in our community face justice," District Attorney Wylie stated. Norma Hill was represented by Lauren Parnes, Esq. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Jeffrey Kehm and Jennifer Manning.

Signup for our newsletter

Local businesswoman sentenced to jail stint for swindling elderly friend

COMPANY

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

SUBMISSION FORMS

BEYOND THE NEWS