The manager of a senior apartment complex, charged with swindling an elderly resident out of $80,000 and spending it on gambling and vehicles, accepted a plea bargain this week, detectives said Friday.

Newhall resident John McBride, who still manages the Whispering Oaks Senior Apartments, has been placed on  probation and ordered to pay restitution.
    “It’s just one of those unfortunate situations where an elder was taken advantage of,” said sheriff’s Detective Larry Barnes. “Luckily family members were paying attention and were able to pass on that information to us.”
    From May 2001 to April 2003, McBride had befriended resident Clara Sweet. He visited the elderly widow daily, paying her special attention and often taking her shopping.  

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