Granny fleecer gets probation

A Carson City woman accused of stealing from her disabled grandmother was sentenced to probation Tuesday.

Judge Jim Wilson sentenced Leza Bulman, 37, to up to three years probation and a suspended sentence of one year in jail on a charge of gross misdemeanor exploitation of a vulnerable person.

According to the arrest report, in 2008 Bulman was awarded guardianship of her grandmother Yvonne Crow, 84, described as having "cognitive impairments and ... unable to independently meet her current care needs."

At that time, Crow had more than $300,000 in the bank, the report states.

When the nursing home where Crow was staying reported payments weren't being made on Crow's account, Aging Services became involved, and then investigators.

The investigation allegedly revealed Bulman was using her grandmother's money to pay rent, her sister's rent, phone and auto repair bills and was loaning out money.

According to the report, when the investigation was opened in May, Crow's account had a zero balance and Bulman was allegedly trying to sell her grandmother's Palm Springs, Calif. property.

Also before Judge Wilson on Tuesday:

• Rebecca Beebe, 23, received up to three years probation and a suspended prison sentence of 12-36 months in prison on charge of felony reckless driving with substantial bodily harm. On March 24, Beebe was pulling out of a grocery store parking space when she backed into a woman walking through the lot. As the woman tried to get to her feet, the Beebe backed up again into her, the report states.

Witnesses tried unsuccessfully to stop Beebe from leaving the scene. She was arrested at her home a short time later.

• James Montel Dean, 25, had his probation revoked on a charge of possession of controlled substance with intent to sell. He must serve 12-48 months in prison after violating his probation.

• Jose Espinoza-Sierra, 19, pleaded guilty to felony possession with intent to sell methamphetamine. He faces one to four years in prison when sentenced Aug. 2.

• Carlo Michael, 19, received up to three years probation, with 12-36 months in prison suspended. He had been sent to prison boot camp but was discharged due for sexually harassing a boot camp employee. Michael will remain in custody until he is able to get into residential drug treatment.

• Tami Rae White, 22, was given diversion on a gross misdemeanor charge of attempted theft. She tried to pass a forged check at a grocery store. If White successfully completes up to three years probation and drug court, the charge could be dismissed.