An American woman charged with stealing more than $55,000 from an elderly woman has had her bail doubled.

Melissa Burton, from Sag Harbor in New York, was also ordered to place the money she allegedly stole from Katherine Triminham in an escrow account.

The 52-year-old, who first appeared in Magistrates’ Court on Monday, faces five counts of stealing a total of $56,284.14 from Ms Trimingham on various dates between November 7 and December 7 last year.

She is also accused of abusing the senior by financial exploitation between October 27 and November 30.

Ms Burton was not required to enter a plea because the charges are indictable and must be heard in the Supreme Court.

When she reappeared in court yesterday morning, her bail amount of $50,000 with a like surety was doubled to $100,000 with a like surety.

Mr Tokunbo also ordered that Ms Burton place $56,284.14 in a local escrow account and the matter was adjourned to the April Supreme Court arraignments session.

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