JUNEAU — A caregiver accused of stealing nearly $38,000 from his blind roommate will spend time in jail.

Michael S. Beckwith, 57, of Slinger was found guilty of theft of movable property during a sentencing hearing on Oct. 28 in Dodge County Circuit Court.

Judge John Storck ordered Beckwith to serve nine months in the Dodge County Jail and to pay restitution to the victim and court costs. Beckwith was also sentenced to six years probation. Nine other felony counts were dismissed and read into the court record.

Beckwith was arrested in May for using the blind man’s checks and ATM card to purchase a car, go on vacation and pay bills. Beckwith was hired by the 58-year-old Beaver Dam man to care for him.

The thefts occurred over an eight-month period beginning in May 2008, according to the criminal complaint.