SAN ANTONIO — Rita Elizondo pleaded no contest to financial abuse of the elderly involving amounts between $2,500 and $30,000 in San Antonio. She was sentenced to six years of deferred adjudication.

As part of the sentence, Elizondo must pay $14,000 in restitution to her 104-year-old mother, Maria. The court also ordered her to perform 120 hours of community service. The plea agreement was accepted in the 399th Criminal District Court.

Under the terms of the agreement, prosecutors waived additional charges. These included misapplication of financial property between $2,500 and $30,000 and exploitation of the elderly. Maria addressed the delays in the legal process with a statement.

"At my age, every postponement carries a weight. No amount of money can restore what was broken," Maria said.

Gerry Goldstein, Elizondo’s attorney, commented on the resolution the following day. "This was a family dispute that has finally been resolved," Goldstein said. Elizondo was indicted on accusations that she drained tens of thousands of dollars from her mother’s bank accounts while serving as her power of attorney.

Financial records show the unauthorized transactions totaled more than $48,000. These transactions occurred within a two-week period in March and April 2024. The spending included cash withdrawals of $5,000 and $2,000.

A $910 charge for skin rejuvenation appeared in Elizondo’s name. A payment was made to a mortgage company.

Maria sent a demand letter to her daughter regarding the funds. The letter stated that the unauthorized transactions caused her great financial harm. It also revoked Elizondo’s power of attorney.

The letter demanded that more than $48,000 be paid back. Maria’s family confirmed they attempted to settle the matter through mediation prior to the indictment.

Elizondo previously served as president of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce from 1998 to 2004. She was also a longtime political consultant. San Antonio formed a new city committee to address senior citizen abuse and exploitation. This effort reflects broader regional initiatives to combat such cases.