Tacoma woman accused of swindling elderly husband
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FEDERAL WAY, Wash. -- Prosecutors accuse a Tacoma woman of wooing and then stealing from a prominent millionaire with dementia.
When you mention the name Cratsenberg in Federal Way, locals will know exactly who and what you're talking about. Over decades, the family patriarch built a million dollar business with commercial properties throughout the region.
"It's a very prominent family that is very well known in the city of Federal Way," said Cathy Schrock of the Federal Way Police Department.
Over the past few years, prosecutors allege Juliana Min Cratsenberg took advantage of the 86-year-old family patriarch, who suffers from dementia. She's accused of moving into his home, marrying him and ultimately stealing from him.
"It was very obvious that she had every intention of taking control of all the finances that she could possibly do and then running up a lot of debt," Schrock said.
Documents show Mrs. Cratsenberg withdrew $100,000 from her husband's bank account. She took out $23,000 to buy a Lexus SUV and another $60,0000 was taken from ATMs or casino checks, with most being drawn at Muckleshoot Casino, according to court documents.
In those same documents, the woman admitted most of the money taken from the account was spent gambling. After Mr. Cratsenberg suffered a stroke, prosecutors say the woman dragged him across the floor to the bathroom after failing to get him immediate medical care.
The Cratsenberg sons released a brief statement saying their father is now safe and being well cared for and they appreciate the efforts of police and prosecutors in going after those who seek to exploit vulnerable adults.
Juliana Cratsenberg is not in custody and will be arraigned on felony theft charges next week.
When you mention the name Cratsenberg in Federal Way, locals will know exactly who and what you're talking about. Over decades, the family patriarch built a million dollar business with commercial properties throughout the region.
"It's a very prominent family that is very well known in the city of Federal Way," said Cathy Schrock of the Federal Way Police Department.
Over the past few years, prosecutors allege Juliana Min Cratsenberg took advantage of the 86-year-old family patriarch, who suffers from dementia. She's accused of moving into his home, marrying him and ultimately stealing from him.
"It was very obvious that she had every intention of taking control of all the finances that she could possibly do and then running up a lot of debt," Schrock said.
Documents show Mrs. Cratsenberg withdrew $100,000 from her husband's bank account. She took out $23,000 to buy a Lexus SUV and another $60,0000 was taken from ATMs or casino checks, with most being drawn at Muckleshoot Casino, according to court documents.
In those same documents, the woman admitted most of the money taken from the account was spent gambling. After Mr. Cratsenberg suffered a stroke, prosecutors say the woman dragged him across the floor to the bathroom after failing to get him immediate medical care.
The Cratsenberg sons released a brief statement saying their father is now safe and being well cared for and they appreciate the efforts of police and prosecutors in going after those who seek to exploit vulnerable adults.
Juliana Cratsenberg is not in custody and will be arraigned on felony theft charges next week.
Absolutely disgusting. It just blows my mind when someone has such little integrity. I hope she gets what she deserves. When I read the article, it didn't state the age of the woman. I'm curious how old/young she is.
 @The WA Mama She is 59.
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http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/Charge-Woman-wooed-fleeced-elderly-widower-3791506.php
Ugh. Disgusting.
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The parasitic element of some people is shocking, whether they're taking advantage of an elderly person or having exta marital affairs resulting in pregnancy then assigning parentage to an unsuspecting husband, stealing from an employer, or lying and setting up a co-worker for failure or termination, its all the same dynamic:
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Theft - of time, money, trust , love...people who are capable of such choices have no conscience.
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We should go back to using a pillory or stocks in the town square. Lock them in the yoke and let the towns people throw rotten fruit at them for a couple of days.
I'm surprised that someone didn't step in and prevent the marriage, due to his dementia. I would think it can be annulled because someone with dementia is unable to make legally-binding decisions.
How did his sons let this happen to begin with?
how do these trashy broads get a good nights' sleep skulking around life as they do?
Don't they all?
I bet she was playing Baccarat
I've lived in Federal Way my whole life and never seen nor read anything about 'Cratsenberg.' Hmm.Â
Guarantee you've set foot on some of their properties.
In legal terms, what's the difference between this gal and any other gold-digger wife? I'm not siding with her, just wondering.Â
 @achoo2 I believe it falls under RCW 74.34. Because he had dementia he is considered a vulnerable adult. There is a lot to the RCW, so here is the link:
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http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=74.34
I just got a look at her charging document, she is being charged under 9A.56.030(1)(a), 9A.56.020(1)(a) and (b), and 9A.56.010(21)(c). I am really surprised that given the fact that he has dementia she is not also being charged under RCW 74.34.
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Here is a link to her charging document:
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http://www.scribd.com/doc/103103852/Juliana-Min-Cratsenberg-Charging-Docs
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Here is a link to RCWÂ 9A.56:
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http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9a.56
So, is married to this fellow, entitled to half of new income. Sounds like his kids were getting worried about their share of inheritance.Â
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I'll just bet they are taking real good care of dear old Dad
@Mary Bishop Kellogg WOW... I hope people look out for this Gold digger, not the one in the story, but Mary Bishop Kellogg! I feel sorry for any "love" in your life... this serves as my THUMBS DOWN.
I wouldn't be too hard on her. It does seem odd that the sons didn't realize the situation until damage was getting heavy. Maybe the sons aren't really close to the father. I don't know them personally or know anything about the family. I watched Deadly Women on Netflix and the things that women can do who are fueled by greed is crazy. He is still alive and the kids are helping their father now so its a good thing. Family should stick together. I just hope that the children learn that their father is not in good mental condition and don't send him to a home to be preyed on again. Best wishes to the family.
@Mary Bishop Kellogg -- Wrong. You are not always and immediately entitled to half of "new income." This may be a community property state, but we do have laws regarding this very situation. Exploitation of vulnerable adults is a large but silent crime. I hope you or your loved ones never fall victim to these criminals.
You're way off base. The sons are already well off--and very good parents, as far as I can tell(we're in the same community). This uncaring, self serving gold digger is entitled to nothing--look what she has wasted already???? Glad to know there is still some reasonable justice in this country.
This lady is still out of jail, why?
 @dg54321 What "lady"?