“On December 4th, 2013, a beautiful and brilliant 88-year-old Holocaust Survivor named Marie Winkelman was put into guardianship in the Sarasota, Florida Probate Court – without a hearing – based upon a mediation agreement,” states Beverly Newman, President of the Al Katz Center.
Marie is the second victim of elder abuse in Sarasota County, Florida. The first was Al Katz, the father of Beverly Newman, another Holocaust Survivor.
The similarity of the two cases is striking and presents a pattern of what some believe constitutes “judicial cronyism.” It is a system that takes the liberty and property of its victims – usually the elderly.
“Marie is a recent resident of Bird Key who still lives independently and keeps her home in immaculate condition. The mediation agreement was prepared by Federal Mediator Gary H. Larsen, which Marie did not see until after the mediation. Her fortune of many millions, which she earned through decades of hard work and prudent investments, is now in the hands of a company named Sabal Trust Company with which she has never had any contact. Through the mediated agreement, she is given a monthly allowance of her own money, despite the fact she has always spent her money judiciously,” notes Newman.
What makes Marie’s case different is the possible collusion to have Marie found incompetent not by strangers but by Robert Szychowski who is married to Marie’s step-daughter Corinne. This is the highest form of betrayal by the one person Marie trusted the most. She trusted Szychowski so much she signed a Durable Power of Attorney (POA) giving Szychowski control over every aspect of her life and wellbeing. Marie made Szychowski her “attorney-in-fact” (my Agent) granting him “The power to exercise or perform any act, power, duty, right or obligation whatsoever…”
Full Article and Source:
The Taking of Marie Winkelman 1-2-3
See Also:
NASGA: Marie Winkelman, Florida Victim
Thank you Beverly Newman and thank you NASGA. I am praying for Marie Winkelman.
ReplyDeleteShe survived the Holocaust only to end up in prison in the US?
ReplyDeleteIt's shameful.
My heart breaks for her.
ReplyDeleteDeep appreciation to the author Dr. Rich Swier for his dedication to Marie Winkelman. Reviewing court documents, compiling information to present to his readers this important subject matter that exposes the truth, the secrets, the dirty tricks, the very dark side of guardianship that truly is a daunting task.
ReplyDeleteWith that in mind, I bring the author's impressive bio to NASGA.
Dr. Rich Swier is the Publisher of DrRichSwier.com e-magazine. He was the former State Editor for Watchdog Wire - Florida and RedCounty.com.
He holds a Doctorate of Education from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA, a Master's Degree in Management Information Systems from the George Washington University, Washington, D.C., and a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts from Washington University, St. Louis, MO.
Richard is a 23-year Army veteran who retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1990.
He was awarded the Legion of Merit for his years of service. Additionally, he was awarded two Bronze Stars with “V” for Heroism in ground combat, the Presidential Unit Citation, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry while serving with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam.
He is a graduate of the Field Artillery Officers Basic and Advanced Courses, and U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. Richard was the Founder/CEO of Sarasota Online, a high technology company that was sold to Comcast Cable in 1996.
There she was living her life and now and then the rug is pulled out from under her. It makes me boil.
ReplyDeleteI have been following this story and I commend Mrs. Newman for her diligence in advocating for her.
ReplyDeleteShame on anybody who does this to a Holocaust survivor.