A 51-year-old woman has been found guilty on 14 counts of felony theft and forgery after prosecutors said she stole thousands of dollars from a stroke victim.

A Circuit Court jury found Ligaya Delacruz guilty Tuesday after deliberating for about two hours. She faces a mandatory minimum of one year and eight months in prison when she is sentenced in October.

Delacruz was accused of befriending a man in 2003 and moving into one of his rental units. In June 2003, the 60-year-old man suffered a massive stroke and was confined in Kaiser Medical Center for more than six months.

During that time, Delacruz is accused of securing the man's power of attorney despite protests from the hospital's staff, according to Attorney General Mark Bennett. She then "deliberately and systematically" stole money from the man's bank account, insurance policies and rental income, Bennett said.

Kaiser staff and the man's family members reported Delacruz's activities to the state's Adult Protective Services, he said.

"In difficult cases involving vulnerable adults, it is crucial that law enforcement receive the assistance of family and of other caregivers," Bennett said.

Craig Kimsel, Delacruz's attorney, said his client was disappointed with the verdict and said he will file an appeal. He said Delacruz was doing what she thought was best for the man.

"He had a sudden stroke and she was just trying to keep things together until he got home, and she did what she did with that in mind," Kimsel said. "She paid out more money in his bills than she's alleged to have taken out of his bank account and the rent."

The case was prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Gary Senaga.