KENT, Wash. — A former Kent city councilman pleaded guilty today to swindling money from his 93-year-old mother, who has dementia.
Ken Sharp is accused of siphoning around $300,000 from his mother using a reverse mortgage and taking from her bank account.
He allegedly used the money to buy a house, a trip to Italy and even a wedding ring.
KIRO 7 broke the story before the city council election last year.
Sharp ran and won, but he resigned two weeks into his term.
In court, King County Prosecutor Page Ulrey told the judge the thefts date back to 2010 and 2011.
Do you understand you are charged and pleading to seven counts of theft in the first degree and one count of mortgage fraud?” asked King County Prosecutor Page Ulrey in court.
“Yes," Sharp responded.
Sharp could get 10 years in prison for seven counts of theft in the first degree and one count of mortgage fraud.
In a plea deal, the state is recommending six years and even less time if he pays retribution to his mother.
The exact amount of restitution Ken Sharp must pay his mom will be determined later, but the prosecutor said it could be upward of $200,000 or even $300,000.
KIRO 7 asked the mayor’s office if Sharp will get any pension since he was a council member.
The mayor’s assistant said Sharp would not get any pension since he was only on the city council two weeks before stepping down.
Sharp will be sentenced later this month.
Want to talk about the news of the day? Watch free streaming video on the KIRO 7 mobile app and iPad app, and join us here on Facebook.