Attorney General John M. Formella announces that Irene Jutras (Nutter), age 59, of Pelham, pleaded guilty and was sentenced today in the Rockingham County Superior Court on seven class A felony counts of identity fraud, one class A felony count of theft by unauthorized taking, and one class B felony count of theft by unauthorized taking.
Investigation revealed that between January 2019 and January 2020, Ms. Jutras used personal identifying information belonging to C.K., age 84, to open credit cards in C.K.’s name without C.K.’s knowledge or permission. Ms. Jutras obtained C.K.’s personal identifying information while assisting C.K., who suffered from cognitive impairment, with daily activities, including filling out financial paperwork. Ms. Jutras used the credit cards to purchase clothes, furniture, electronics, and a Caribbean cruise. In total, Ms. Jutras spent more than $15,000 using the fraudulently opened credit cards.
Further, between March and October 2019, Ms. Jutras used two of C.K.’s bank accounts to pay Ms. Jutras’s own debts without C.K.’s authorization. Ms. Jutras unlawfully spent more than $3,000 from the accounts.
The Court sentenced Ms. Jutras to an extended term of imprisonment of 7 ½ - 20 years in the New Hampshire State Prison, stand committed, on each identity fraud conviction. Ms. Jutras was eligible for an extended-term of imprisonment because in committing her crimes, she took advantage of C.K.’s age or disability that impaired C.K.’s ability to manage her financial resources. The Court suspended 2 years from the minimum term for 15 years. Under the suspended sentence, Ms. Jutras is prohibited from, among other things, working with elderly, disabled, or impaired adults in any capacity. Ms. Jutras must also pay restitution.
On the class A felony theft conviction, the Court sentenced Ms. Jutras to serve 7 ½-15 years in the State Prison, all of which was suspended for a period of 15 years. On the class B felony theft conviction, the Court sentenced Ms. Jutras to served 3 ½-7 years in the State Prison, all of which was suspended for a period of 15 years. All of the sentences are to be served concurrently.
This matter was investigated jointly by the Derry and Pelham Police Departments and was prosecuted by Senior Assistant Attorney General Bryan J. Townsend, II, of the Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation Unit.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of elder abuse or financial exploitation, please contact your local police department or the Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services (1-800-949-0470).
Original source can be found here.