Woman sentenced to prison for defrauding disabled couple

Federal prosecutors say a West Tennessee woman has been sentenced to three years and five months in prison for defrauding a disabled couple of more than $500,000.

The U.S. attorney's office says 41-year-old Martha Bizzell was also ordered to pay back $587,207 at her sentencing Friday. Bizzell pleaded guilty in July to executing a scheme to defraud and obtain money and property through fraud.

Bizzell was the guardian of James and Helen Robertson, a couple whose estate was valued at $1.5 million. She moved them from Peoria, Illinois to Crump, Tennessee, in 2012.

Prosecutors said Bizzell liquidated the couple's stock investments and transferred funds from their accounts to her personal account and two guardianship accounts.

Prosecutors said Bizzell used the Robertsons' finances to buy two automobiles and several properties.