Ex-brothel madam goes on elder exploitation trial today

RENO -- A trial is scheduled to begin today for a former Mustang Ranch brothel madam accused of draining the finances of a neighbor for whom she was caring.

The Reno Gazette-Journal reported the trial of 43-year-old Sharnel Silvey of Reno is expected to last three days in Washoe County District Court.

She has pleaded not guilty to an elder exploitation charge involving Lawrence Gunderson, who died at the age of 70 in November 2009. They lived at the same Reno apartment complex, and she was his caretaker.

Silvey is accused of withdrawing more than $17,000 from his bank account and going on a clothes shopping spree after finding Gunderson dead.

She said she helped him with various chores, and he encouraged her to use his money to buy clothes.