CT woman sentenced to 8 years for fraud

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - A federal judge has sentenced a Washington Depot woman to eight years prison in a fraud case that cheated mostly elderly investors out of $1.9 million.

The judge called 55-year-old Robin Brass a "clever and effective con artist" as he delivered the sentence Friday in U.S. District Court in Hartford.

Several victims who spoke at the hearing said Brass was a one-time friend who betrayed their trust, stole their life savings and, in some cases, left them dependent on food stamps.

Brass pleaded guilty to mail fraud in May. She used the money to pay personal expenses for herself and her family including credit card bills, college tuition payments and home furnishings. She said at the hearing she is sorry for the pain inflicted on her clients.