Ellington

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — A 51-year-old man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for exploiting an 85-year-old victim who was suffering from dementia.

Attorney General Jim Hood says Kenneth A. Cauthen must serve the first three years behind bars and then be placed on five years of post-release supervision. Hood says Cauthen also must pay $13,300 in restitution to the victim, $1,000 to the Attorney General's Crime Victim Compensation Fund and $500 to cover costs of the investigation.

Cauthen, who's lived in both Hinds and Rankin counties, pleaded guilty Tuesday before Judge John Emfinger to a charge of exploitation of a vulnerable adult.

Authorities say Cauthen pretended to be a friend and caregiver to the victim, whom he stole from, berated and frightened. An investigation began after the victim's family became suspicious.