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Couple Accused Of Stealing $220K From Blind Woman

VALPARAISO, Ind. (CBS) -- At least $220,000 in platinum, gold and silver bars, and coins were stolen from a 72-year-old, legally blind northwest Indiana woman, and the couple accused of looting her home under the guise of caring for her each face up to eight years in prison.

Robbin Bostic, 40, and Barry Jay Bostic, 46, aka Bary Bostic, bith of Michigan City, Ind., might remain in Porter County Jail until their March 3 trial for Class C felony theft, the Post-Tribune is reporting.

Porter County Superior Court Judge Mary Harper said at Tuesday's initial hearing that she will not lower bond from $100,000 each to a combined $14,400.

"I have not heard anything that tells me the bond is inappropriate," Harper said.

Deputy prosecutor Cheryl Polarek said that along with the precious metals and coins the Bostics allegedly stole, they took money, jewelry and other items rom the victim's Chesterton home.

The incidents happened between January, when the woman's husband died, and the end of March.

Police began investigating after Reva Conru — a friend of the victim who had received temporary guardianship along with a relative — changed the house locks.

Robbin Bostic's mother, Myrtle Henry, made a burglary complaint and told police she had been the victim's caretaker for the last three years and that Barry Bostic was packing up Tiara glassware and other items.

Henry had the new locks drilled out and told police a safe had been opened and paperwork was missing. Police found that multiple boxes in the basement had been opened.

Henry told them the victim was in a Michigan City hotel while the house was cleaned for mold. Only Henry and the Bostics had access to the house, Conru told police.

Police discovered from Americo Engineering that the mold level was minimal and didn't interfere with anyone living in the home.

The Bostics purchased a new truck during this time, rented a storage locker with one of the victim's checks and sold precious metals and coins to local pawn shops.

The Bostics' attorney, Jennifer Irons, said her clients had health issues to address so they needed lower bond, and that this was a dispute between nonfamily guardians over property and should be a civil matter.

Polarek said Henry is still under investigation.

Conru attended the initial hearing and said the victim is now in assisted living in Chesterton. She said it's likely the woman will stay there.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2012. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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