by Lynnanne Nguyen
BELLEVUE, Wash. — Three people are facing charges after Bellevue police say they used a power of attorney to drain more than $1 million in assets from an elderly family member, with that money going toward a new home in Kent, home improvement projects and shopping, among other expenses.
The victim, an 88-year-old woman with a medical condition, was reportedly left with no funds for her own care and had to be moved into a state-funded assisted living facility, according to police.
Bellevue police say the woman's nephew, 58-year-old Abner Eng, along with his wife, Manivone Misaengsay, and his son, Evun Eng, took advantage of their power of attorney to quickly sell off her assets for their own benefit.
Police allege the suspects quickly positioned themselves to control the woman’s finances.
"The day they get power of attorney, they end up quickly transferring the home to their care to sell, then sell off and benefit from that," said Capt. Ryan Parrott with the Bellevue Police Department. "So immediately after getting that power of attorney, they're already moving to sell the home and to start taking bank accounts."
Adult Protective Services alerted Bellevue police to the case in June 2024, after another family member reported suspicions to authorities. Investigators say the case has been under investigation for more than two years as they requested various search warrants to search through bank records and build their case.
"They're taking that money, now buying things for themselves, paying off bills, purchasing items for a catering business," Parrott said.
Parrott said the case is a stark example of financial exploitation by people the victim should have been able to trust.
"In this case, you're talking about family members who came in, someone you should trust," Parrott said. "And then the family members took advantage of that."
Police say another family member now has guardianship over the elderly victim. Eng and his family face charges of money laundering and theft from a vulnerable adult.
During the trio's court hearing Tuesday, defendants admitted to their role; Abner Eng, along with his wife, Manivone Misaengsay, were present.
Evun Eng was out on bond; his attorney waived his arraignment because the attorney was on vacation. Eng is expected to have his arraignment next week.
Bellevue police urged community members to stay vigilant for signs of abuse toward older or vulnerable adults, including staying connected with loved ones, monitoring bank accounts and helping protect valuables. Anyone who suspects abuse should report it immediately by calling 911 and notify adult protective services or a trusted health care provider, police said.
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3 family members accused of stealing $1M from vulnerable 88-year-old in Bellevue
