Murder suspect faces theft charges

TAMPA --

A woman awaiting trial for murder in the 2008 death of a 78-year-old woman in her care has been charged with stealing from another woman whose home she cleaned, Tampa police said.

Jana Porter, 46, was arrested Sunday at her home, 6318 S. Richard Ave. She was charged with third-degree grand theft, and her bail was revoked on the previous charges of second-degree murder and aggravated abuse of an elderly or disabled adult.

According to police, Porter stole jewelry from a home while she was working for a maid service. When the victim discovered the jewelry was missing, she went to a nearby pawn shop and found one of her rings, police said.

In March 2008, Porter called 911 to report Peggy Albury Mehrman had died of natural causes, police said. Mehrman's daughter soon arrived and questioned where her mother's prescription medication and checks had gone. Police began investigating the case for possible exploitation and eventually as a homicide.

Porter was arrested in September 2009. Police said she poisoned Mehrman with the victim's prescription drugs while stealing more than $ 50,000 from her.

Toxicology tests showed Mehrman had painkillers and antidepressants in her system at 10 times the prescribed level.

The day after Mehrman died, her bank account was overdrawn.

Mehrman had a debilitating bone and muscular disease, used a wheelchair and needed constant care. Porter wasn't a licensed medical care provider; she said she was just trying to help a friend without payment, police said at the time.

Porter told police that she administered drugs to Mehrman but didn't give any explanation for the elevated drug levels or missing money, officers said.

Officers said she also pawned Mehrman's jewelry.

Porter has pleaded not guilty to murder and aggravated abuse of an elderly or disabled adult.

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