Murray woman sentenced after failing to make restitution in case against her

A Murray woman was sentenced Monday after failing to make restitution in a theft case involving her.

The Murray Sentinel reported 53-year-old Leslie Lockhart received an eight year sentence after failing to meet restitution terms in a theft case involving her and an elderly woman,  Maria Judy, that was under her care.

In February, Lockhart pleaded guilty to the charges and through her plea agreement, she was scheduled to pay $100,000 of her $300,000 restitution within 30 days but failed to do so. 

Lockhart's attorney asked Calloway Circuit Judge Andrea Moore to probate her sentence, however the judge sided with the prosecution in its recommendation to impose the sentence after Lockart failed to meet the financial requirements.

The investigation began in December, 2024 when Judy's estate noticed financial discrepancies following her death.  The probe uncovered 20 forged checks and multiple unauthorized transactions from Judy’s investment accounts.  Lockhart was arrested in February, 2025.

story/photo:  The Murray Sentinel