PLATTSBURGH — Norma Hill, 60, of Plattsburgh was found guilty of stealing tens of thousands of dollars from an elderly individual who had given her a power of attorney in February of 2019, Clinton County District Attorney Andrew J. Wylie announced today.
Hill, the owner and manager of Norma J’s Café and Bakeshop, used her authority under the power of attorney to access the victim’s bank account and then began transferring money from the victim’s checking account to her own accounts without his permission in a series of online transactions starting in February of 2019 and ending in October of 2024, a release from Wylie’s office said.
Hill then used the stolen money to cover expenses related to her restaurant.
Following an investigation by the Plattsburgh Police Department, Hill was indicted in August 2025 on one count of grand larceny in the third degree, a Class D felony. Investigators uncovered the full scope of the theft through financial records and interviews, the release said.
During a jury trial, prosecutors presented financial records, witness testimony, and other evidence showing that Hill systematically exploited her access to the victim’s finances under the power of attorney. The jury returned the guilty verdict after approximately two hours of deliberation.
The Honorable Keith M. Bruno presided over the trial. Following the verdict, Judge Bruno scheduled sentencing for November 5, 2026. She faces a maximum sentence of 2-and-1/3 to 7 years in state prison.
“This case reflects our continued commitment to protecting vulnerable members of our community,” Wylie said. “Exploiting an elderly individual for personal gain is a serious crime, and today’s verdict ensures justice for the victim. I want to extend my appreciation to the Plattsburgh City Police Department for its thorough investigation and to the witnesses who came forward to assist in securing this conviction.”
Hill was represented by Lauren Parnes, Esq.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Jeffrey Kehm and Jennifer Manning.