TUCSON, AZ (AP) -
A Tucson woman is facing up to nearly 14 years in prison after admitting she abused and stole from a bedridden woman who later died.
Pima County prosecutors say 37-year-old Lea Marie Hughes pleaded guilty Wednesday to vulnerable adult abuse and attempted theft/financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult.
They say Hughes could receive probation or prison on two of the charges, but is facing a mandatory prison sentence of between one year and 2 1/2 years for abusing Ruthann Jacox during a four-year period.
The Arizona Daily Star says Hughes is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 30.
Hughes was arrested last August after the 64-year-old Jacox was hospitalized.
Jacox died Nov. 8, but doctors couldn't determine if her death was a result of neglect or multiple sclerosis.
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