LAKE HAVASU CITY – Upfront payment of half the money she stole from an elderly man helped a Lake Havasu City woman escape further jail time in a case of betrayal and theft. Francine Hernandez, 43, was placed on supervised probation for three years at her October 24 sentencing hearing in Kingman.
Hernandez pleaded guilty to theft of $23,000 from an 86-year-old man for whom she was care taking. She admitted unauthorized use of the victim’s finances and bank accounts between September, 2024 and April, 2025.
Deputy Mohave County Attorney Rod Gilleo argued some jail time is appropriate given the repetitive nature of the theft activity, the amount of money stolen and for preying upon a vulnerable, aged man. “That trust was obviously violated here,” Gilleo said.
Hernandez pleaded for her freedom, contending she can pay at least $500 a month in restitution given her employment as a chef and her side job work.
“My biggest goal is for him to be paid off,” Hernandez told Mohave County Superior Court Judge Megan McCoy. “I want to be able to pay him back as quick as possible.”
Hernandez already paid $11,500 in restitution at her September 25 change of plea hearing. Judge McCoy said the initial payment and commitment to making the victim whole is the only reason she was willing to order no further jail time for Hernandez.
The theft charge will be designated a misdemeanor if she successfully completes probation.
