FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 10, 2026) - Attorney General Russell Coleman announced today that action by the Attorney General’s Special Prosecutions Unit resulted in a guilty plea for a Murray woman who was a caregiver for a dying woman.
Leslie Lockhart, 53, pleaded guilty to Theft by Unlawful Taking, Less than $10,000 (Class D Felony), 22 counts of Forgery, 2nd Degree (Class D Felony) and one count of Theft of Identify of Another Without Consent (Class D).
According to charges filed in Calloway Circuit Court, from May 2023 through December 2024, Lockhart stole funds from the dying victim by forging checks on her checking account, making unauthorized withdraws from her stock accounts and making unauthorized withdraws from her 401(k).
As part of the plea agreement, Lockhart will receive an eight-year sentence and will be required to pay restitution in the amount of $300,000 to the victim’s estate. Of that amount, $100,000 must be paid within 30 days.
“When a criminal uses their position to steal from our most vulnerable, it isn’t just money that’s taken, it’s trust,” said Attorney General Coleman. “All Kentucky seniors should know that we take this exploitation seriously and will hold the culprit accountable for her loathsome actions.”
The Kentucky State Police investigated the case. Assistant Attorney General Richie Kemp prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth.
Sentencing has been scheduled for April 20.