Thursday, January 26, 2023

Former guardian charged for allegedly embezzling from father, says AG

by Mid-Michigan NOW

Former guardian charged for allegedly embezzling from father, says AG

LANSING, Mich. - Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Wednesday that she is charging 40-year-old Tanya Patterson with one count of Embezzlement from a Vulnerable Adult $1,000 or more but less than $20,000.

This is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison.

The investigation conducted by the Department of Attorney General revealed that Patterson’s father was admitted to the Schnebb Senior Care and Rehabilitation Center, located in St. Louis, Michigan in July 2019.

According to the AG office, the next month, Patterson was appointed his guardian by the Gratiot County Probate Court.

After the appointment, Patterson allegedly opened a checking account for her father, listing her as guardian, where her father’s monthly Social Security income was deposited.

The AG office now alleges that in 2021, Patterson removed money from her father’s account and unlawfully used it for her personal expenses and needs.

"Guardians and conservators are entrusted to protect and manage the medical and financial matters of a protected person," said Nessel. “Being a family member does not relieve a guardian of these responsibilities. If guardians breach that trust, they must be held accountable.”

Patterson was arraigned on Jan. 17 before the Honorable Stewart D. McDonald of the 65th District Court in Gratiot County.

She received a $20,000 personal recognizance bond and is due back in court for a probable cause conference on Jan. 26.

Full Article & Source:
Former guardian charged for allegedly embezzling from father, says AG

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