Jail Term Urged for Caregiver in Embezzlement

The City Council has adopted a resolution urging a prison term for a caregiver convicted of defrauding 94-year-old resident John Alton of his life savings, then abandoning him.

In June, Leonora Deptowicz was convicted by Santa Monica Superior Court Judge Leslie Light of fiduciary abuse and grand theft, which left Alton virtually penniless when he died last year. Light said he would seek restitution from Deptowicz, possible jail time, and community service when he is sentenced Sept. 2, according to a city spokesman.

Alton, a cinematographer, worked on “Elmer Gantry” and “An American in Paris.” The city’s recommendation has been forwarded to Light.

“We don’t feel the court should her give a slap on the wrist,” said Mayor Sal Guarriello, who is 78. “You put your trust in someone, and then they embezzle your entire estate. I would hate to think that this would ever happen to me.”