Kimberly Essex pleads no contest to exploitation of elderly; sentencing set for Sept. 29 with custody evaluations

Kimberly Renee Essex entered a no‑contest plea to an exploitation‑of‑the‑elderly charge that included an enhancement allegation. The court accepted written stipulations in place of live testimony, found the state’s exhibits sufficient, and deferred sentencing pending a presentence investigation and custody evaluations.

The plea included an affirmative family‑violence finding; the state withdrew other counts and one of two enhancement paragraphs. The agreed punishment framework specified a 10‑year sentencing exposure under the enhancement, a $1,500 fine, and restitution to identified financial institutions and the complainant. The court ordered the PSI and TAP/competency‑related evaluations to be completed in custody and scheduled sentencing for Sept. 29; the court said earlier completion would permit an earlier sentencing date.

Defense and state counsel discussed logistics for the evaluations; the court instructed the jail and probation to ensure the evaluations are completed while the defendant remains in custody.

Ending

With the enhancement found true and written stipulations accepted, Essex’s case will return for sentencing after required evaluations and a PSI are completed in custody.