Attorney General Laxalt announces third elder exploitation guardianship abuse prosecution

Attorney General Adam Laxalt announced that 27-year-old Yohannes Habtemicael of Washoe County was arrested on one count of exploitation of an elder person, one count of theft and one count of embezzlement of an older person, all category "B" felonies.

The alleged crimes were committed between August 2014 and November 2015.

According to the complaint, Habtemicael was appointed as the permanent guardian of his 67-year-old father Tewolde Habtemicael and his estate after it was determined that he was unable to take care of himself.

As a guardian, Yohannes was entrusted with funds for limited purpose of providing his father's care. He allegedly subsequently converted more than $80,000 of his father's funds for his own personal use.

The State of Nevada V. Habteicael criminal complaint represents the third guardianship exploitation criminally charged by the Nevada Attorney General's Office.

Laxalt said, “I will continue to work collaboratively with local law enforcement and district attorneys to protect the rights of our elderly and ensure they are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.”

A criminal complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

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Attorney General Laxalt announces third elder exploitation guardianship abuse prosecution