Trial begins for couple accused of stealing more than $700,000 from late Sanger golf course owner

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- A Fresno County assemblage heard opening statements Monday successful the proceedings of a mates accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from the precocious proprietor of a Sanger play course.

Prosecutors allege Gina Abercrombie and her fiancé, Justin Teel, took much than $700,000 from Abercrombie's stepfather, Randy Hansen, betwixt 2017 and 2022.

Hansen, who operated the Sherwood Forest Golf Club, died successful 2020.

Authorities arrested Abercrombie and Teel successful Pleasanton successful 2023. Both are charged with fiscal maltreatment and individuality theft.

Prosecutors accidental the brace applied for concern loans portion pretending to beryllium Hansen.

"The instrumentality requires america to beryllium the suspect makes a mendacious statement, knows it's mendacious and uses that connection to get a indebtedness oregon a payment, thing that gives them a benefit," a authoritative told jurors.

Defense attorneys offered lone a little response, with 1 stating, "Theft, attempted theft, no."

The archetypal witnesser took the basal Monday afternoon.

The proceedings is expected to proceed done the extremity of May. If convicted, Abercrombie and Teel look much than 5 years successful custody.

A 3rd fishy from Arizona besides faces charges.