Former Democrat of the Year in Jefferson County receives probation in theft case

Font ResizePoliticsBy Lynn Bartels
The Denver Postdenverpost.comPosted: 12/14/2012 11:48:06 AM MSTDecember 14, 2012 6:49 PM GMTUpdated: 12/14/2012 11:49:08 AM MST

Jefferson County's former Democrat of the Year, convicted of theft from an at-risk person, was sentenced Friday morning to 18 months probation.

A District Court judge also ordered Estelle Carson to pay $855 restitution to the 71-year-old victim, and perform 60 hours of community service.

Carson wrote three checks from the woman's account, including one to pay for Carson's cable, Internet and phone when they were about to be canceled, according to the Jefferson County district attorney's office.

The victim, known publicly only as Louise, is legally blind and has cerebral palsy. The incident has made her less trusting, said a friend, Lisa Kaiser, who was at the sentencing.

"A person with disablities depends on being able to trust people," Kaiser said.

But Kaiser said Louise was grateful that authorities took the complaint seriously, and that the conviction will be on Carson's record.

Carson, 67, could not be reached for comment. A Jefferson County jury in October found her guilty of two felony counts, identity theft and theft from an at-risk person.

Carson, of Wheat Ridge, in January was as named Democrat of the Year by the Jefferson County Democratic Party. The party revoked her honor after she was convicted, party chairman Chris Kennedy said.

Lynn Bartels: 303-954-5327, lbartels

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