MI AG Charges Woman With Felony Theft

A Mahtomedi woman faces more than a dozen felony charges after allegedly neglecting and taking $185,000 from an elderly person, not paying bills and lying on medical assistance applications.

The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office charged Michele Louise Nelson, 52, last month with five counts of theft by swindle, five counts of financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult, two counts of wrongfully obtaining assistance and one count of perjury.

The criminal complaint accuses Nelson of abusing her power of attorney for a 93-year-old. The complaint does not identify the victim.

According to the complaint:

From 2008-2010, Nelson allegedly spent more than $185,000 of the victim’s assets on items and activities for herself and family members. Bank records show most withdrawals were for cash and to a casino. She also made mortgage payments on her home.

Nelson also sold the person’s home and cashed bonds and life insurance, depositing only a portion of the proceeds into the victim’s bank accounts.

Nelson also reportedly applied on the victim’s behalf for government care assistance and claimed the person had no assets. The government subsequently paid nearly $44,000 in assistance.

The victim suffered from dementia and spent time at three different care facilities, which all reported they haven’t been paid; total amount due is nearly $24,000.

Full Article and Source:
Woman Accused of Exploiting Elderly Ward