California Fiduciary Accused of Stealing from Alzheimer's Patient's Trust

Angelique Friend allegedly used her position to hire her husband's company and pay herself over $165,000 while caring for the incapacitated woman. 

A California fiduciary named Angelique Friend is accused of stealing from the trust of an Alzheimer's patient, Patricia Mettler, whom she was put in charge of overseeing. Friend allegedly hired her husband's company, Towngate In-Home Services, to care for Mettler and paid the company over $1.1 million, while also paying herself over $165,000 from the trust. The lawsuit alleges Friend failed to disclose the conflict of interest to Mettler's attorney.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of oversight and accountability for those entrusted with managing the affairs of vulnerable individuals. Fiduciaries have a legal and ethical duty to act in the best interests of their clients, and this alleged abuse of power for personal gain raises concerns about the potential for elder financial exploitation.

The details

According to court documents, Mettler was in poor health with Alzheimer's when Friend was put in charge of her trust in 2021. Friend immediately hired Towngate In-Home Services, a company owned by her husband David Esquibias, to care for Mettler. Over the nearly four-year period, the estate paid Towngate $1.1 million, while Friend also paid herself over $165,000, totaling $1.275 million. The lawsuit alleges Friend failed to disclose the conflict of interest to Mettler's attorney.

• Friend was put in charge of Mettler's trust in 2021.
• Towngate In-Home Services cared for Mettler for nearly four years.

The players

Angelique Friend

A California fiduciary accused of stealing from the trust of an Alzheimer's patient, Patricia Mettler, whom she was put in charge of overseeing.

Patricia Mettler

An Alzheimer's patient in Southern California whose trust was allegedly mismanaged by Angelique Friend.

David Esquibias

Angelique Friend's husband, who owns the company Towngate In-Home Services that was paid over $1.1 million to care for Mettler.

What’s next

Relatives are asking for Friend to be removed as trustee and for the return of all assets 'improperly disbursed'. They are also asking for attorney fees to be paid.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for stronger oversight and accountability measures to protect vulnerable individuals from financial exploitation by those entrusted with managing their affairs. It underscores the importance of fiduciaries upholding their legal and ethical duties to act in the best interests of their clients. 

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California Fiduciary Accused of Stealing from Alzheimer's Patient's Trust