Woman Accused of Stealing Money, Cat From Elderly Man

A 68-year-old woman has pleaded not guilty to elder abuse after authorities accused her of cashing a senior citizen's checks totaling more than $48,000 and stealing his cat.

Dorothy Horne, of Lincoln, entered her plea this past week in Deer Lodge district court to elder abuse, exploitation by common scheme.

The Montana Standard reports that Horne is accused of obtaining checks from a 68-year-old Elliston man between Jan. 1, 2012 and May 1, 2015.

In addition, a local veterinary clinic indicated the money was used to pay for the care and treatment of Horne's animals.

According to court records, Horne also told the victim that his cat had died when in fact it was alive and with her.