Tampa murder suspect now faces charges of theft - Tbo.com

While awaiting trial for murder in the death of a 78-year-old woman, Jana Porter stole jewelry from a woman whose home she cleaned, Tampa police said.

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 She was charged with third-degree grand theft, and her bond was revoked on charges of second-degree murder and aggravated abuse of an elderly or disabled adult.

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

In the prior incident, Porter called 911 in March 2008 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 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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