FALL RIVER, Mass. — A Dartmouth woman accused of bilking a retired doctor she was caring for out of more than $1 million has been released on personal recognizance after pleading not guilty.

Gloria Balestracci (bal-ess-TRAY’-see) was arraigned Tuesday on charges including larceny over $250 from a person over 60, forgery, and making false statements on income tax returns.

Prosecutors say the 66-year-old Balestracci worked as an office manager for Dr. Irving Snyder for 13 years, and continued to work for him after his retirement, paying bills, doing his shopping and caring for him.

He died in 2009 at age 90.

Authorities say from 2004 through 2009, Balestracci forged the doctor’s signature on checks and wrote checks to herself and to family members and misused his credit cards.

Her lawyer could not be reached.


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