A former Holland attorney faces federal prison for stealing from clients. (File photo | MLive.com)
By John Agar | jagar@mlive.com
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A former Holland lawyer
facing federal prison said he violated his position of trust when he
stole $340,000 from two clients, including an incapacitated victim.
“I
understand how damaging my actions have been and the great pain I have
caused for so many,” Jeffrey James Palmer, 45, said in a letter to U.S.
District Judge Robert Jonker.
Palmer
will be sentenced Monday afternoon, June 17, in Grand Rapids. Advisory
sentencing guidelines call for a minimum sentencing ranging from 33 to
41 months.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher
O’Connor said Palmer stole from a vulnerable victim, over the course of
five years, while entrusted to take care of his finances. IRS-Criminal
Investigation agents, investigating the “suspicious movement of his
funds in Palmer’s account for personal use,” determined the victim was
incapacitated and unable to understand what Palmer had done.
The victim, in an assisted-living home, had no surviving spouse or children.
Palmer took money from the victim, identified in court documents by initials, T.W., in 118 transactions, the government said.
“He literally stole from T.W. until there was nothing left to steal – or pay for T.W.’s continued care,” O’Connor wrote.
“It
is reasonable to assume that Palmer’s plan to seat from T.W. was
premised on an expectation that T.W. would not outlive his money (and)
that Palmer’s crime would go undetected after T.W. passed away. When
T.W. outlived his money, the scheme started to unravel.”
When T.W.’s money ran out, Palmer took funds from another client to cover T.W.’s expenses as well as his own, his attorney said.
Sean
Tilton, the attorney, said Palmer had professional and personal
relationships with the victims. His financial problems led to the
thefts.
“Mr. Palmer is deeply remorseful for committing this offense,” Tilton said.
He
said that Palmer consented to the revocation of his law license and
does not expect to be able to practice law in the future. He has left
his wife in a “very difficult financial position,” his attorney said.
Twenty
supporters, including Palmer’s wife, wrote letters on his behalf to the
judge. A friend said she was stunned by the allegations but thinks he
will continue to have a positive impact on his family, church and
community.
“To me, Jeffrey is a
trusted, kind, and reliable friend — he has often been the person I have
called in moments when I needed emotional support and encouragement,"
she wrote.
“Mr. Palmer regrets disappointing the people close to him,” his attorney said in a sentencing memorandum.
Palmer has been working as a second-shift forklift operator in a meat-processing plant.
He
said he felt relief when he was finally caught. He felt a great amount
of guilt and desperation and said he hoped to use his experiences to
help others.
David
Tronnes is accused of killing his wife, Shanti Cooper-Tronnes. He said
he came home to find her dead in the bathtub, but detectives say that's
"hogwash." (Orange-Osceola State Attorneys / OSMG)
David Tronnes, the Orlando man accused of murdering his wife at their Delaney Park home, was stripped of his public defender Monday after prosecutors claimed he hid more than $123,000 from the court.
Circuit Judge John Marshall Kest said he would refer the case to the Orange-Osceola State Attorney’s Office for investigation of possible fraud or misrepresentation and to recover the taxpayer funds spent to provide a public defender for Tronnes.
Tronnes, 50, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of 39-year-old Shanti Cooper-Tronnes, who police say was strangled April 24, 2018, at the couple’s East Copeland Street home. Tronnes, who claimed his wife fell in the bathtub, has pleaded not guilty.
In the days after his wife’s death and his arrest months later in August, Tronnes paid defense attorney Robert Mandell’s firm $250,000 to represent him through Nov. 21, 2018. But by March, Tronnes could no longer pay Mandell, and the attorney left the case due to a conflict of interest.
In May, Kest appointed Tronnes a public defender after Tronnes said the majority of $219,500 he had in bank accounts, retirement savings and other assets was frozen or in a constructive trust formed by the probate court in the case regarding his wife’s estate.
But Assistant State Attorney Ryan James Vescio said Monday that Tronnes was hiding money using a limited liability corporation he created weeks before being arrested Aug. 30, 2018. By Aug. 13, Tronnes’ wife was removed from bank accounts they owned together and Tronnes transferred about $186,750 into the corporation’s accounts, Vescio said.
At the time he claimed to be indigent, Tronnes had $123,527 in those accounts, according to prosecutors.
In Florida, the threshold for indigent status is $24,980.
Vescio said Tronnes also paid Mandell’s firm $30,000 that was not disclosed to a judge by either the defendant or his attorney.
“There have been misrepresentations in this court,” Vescio said. “[Tronnes] was not truthful or accurate in the recording of his information.”
Mandell said Monday “no misrepresentation” was made by his firm in Tronnes’ case. The final payment of $30,000 was not made out to his firm, but to a trust account for future costs associated with the case, Mandell said.
“That money did not go to us,” he said. “In fact, I returned that to the estate.”
Tronnes watched silently as his public defenders told the judge he did not have access to his financial information while in jail. Kest, though, vacated his order appointing the public defenders and said past representations about Tronnes’ finances “appear to be incomplete, inaccurate or possibly untrue.”
Mandell declined to comment on Kest referring the case to the State Attorney’s Office.
A hearing will be held July 3 to determine a new attorney for Tronnes.
Ohio’s public defender is planning a review of as many as 2,700 cases
overseen by a retired judge after the judge’s daughter and mother filed
a petition for guardianship alleging advanced alcoholism that was a
problem when he was still on the bench.
The office plans to review cases overseen by Judge William Marshall
of Scioto County that involved prison time or court supervision during
the 15 years he was on the bench, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.
The guardianship petition alleged that Marshall sometimes showed up
for work as a judge while under the influence and sometimes missed work
altogether, the Enquirer previously reported.
Marshall retired last year. Soon afterward, the Ohio Board of
Professional Conduct recommended he be suspended for six months for
trying to get traffic charges dropped against his daughter, the Portsmouth Daily Times previously reported. The Ohio Supreme Court accepted the recommendation in March.
He was previously reprimanded in 2015 for driving while intoxicated.
Ohio Public Defender Tim Young told the Enquirer that a severe
alcoholic likely works while under the influence. A judge who did that
could be open to manipulation by people who are aware of the problem and
threaten disclosure, he said.
Young said he would work with Case Western University law professor Michael Benza and some of his students to review the cases.
Marshall’s name also surfaced in prior Cincinnati Enquirer reports about an alleged sex trafficking ring in southern Ohio that is now under investigation
by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. An August 2015 federal
wiretap affidavit referred to a defense lawyer said to be operating the
ring and an unnamed judge said to be an associate of the defense lawyer.
Three women told the Enquirer that Marshall is the judge. Marshall
denied any involvement with the lawyer, other than on a professional
basis, and said he had nothing to do with prostitutes.
Marcie Mitchell at guardianship hearing for her father & step-mother.
The permanent guardianship over a Utica couple remains
unresolved Monday following a court hearing at which the couple’s
attorney raised questions about their family taking over the role.
Judge
James Biernat Jr. scheduled a June 26 evidentiary hearing on the matter
after attorney E. Philip Adamaszek said he opposed Marcie Mitchell, the
daughter of Robert Mitchell, 73, taking over the guardianship of him
and his wife, Barbara Delbridge, 70.
The couple are not capable of caring for themselves.
The
case has prompted Attorney General Dana Nessel to begin an
investigation into Macomb County Probate Judge Kathryn George’s handling
of this and possibly other cases. An assistant attorney general
attended Monday’s hearing to observe.
Adamszek, who is serving as
“guardian ad litem,” told Biernat during a hearing in the Macomb County
courthouse he has concerns about prior care provided by Marcie Mitchell
of Clarkston and other family members, before Caring Hearts Michigan was
appointed guardian and conservator by George last November. He said
after the hearing the couple was neglected.
Attorney Earl Philip Adamszek,
guardian ad litem for Robert Mitchell and Barbara Delbridge, at the
hearing Monday in Macomb County Probate Court.
JAMESON COOK--THE MACOMB DAILY
But Marcie Mitchell’s attorney, Tim Flynn, said at the hearing Marcie
Mitchell and other family members refute many of Adamszek’s allegations.
They added the report differs from conclusions by the couple’s prior
attorney, who said they were being cared for properly.
A button worn by a supporter of the Mitchell family on Monday at a hearing at Macomb County Probate Court in Mount Clemens.
MACOMB DAILY PHOTO
The disagreement prompted Biernat to schedule a hearing on whether to
appoint Marcie Mitchell as the guardian for her father and Delbridge,
and whether Delbridge’s sister, Anita Little, should be appointed
co-guardian for Delbridge.
The case drew attention last month
after Marcie Mitchell and other family members complained about Caring
Hearts’ treatment of the couple, saying the company was isolating them
by having a 6-foot wooden fence constructed around the perimeter of the
property, using the couple's funds, and that family members were being
prevented from visiting for a month.
The couple's assets are valued at more than $2.5 million.
Tim Flynn, attorney for Marcie Mitchell and her family, appears at the hearing Monday in Macomb County Probate Court.
JAMESON COOK--THE MACOMB DAILY
The family also raised concerns about Caring Hearts serving as
guardian and conservator after it hired Executive Services because both
companies are owned by the same person, Cathy Kirk. Caring Hearts was
represented by attorney Michael Taylor, also the mayor of Sterling
Heights, who practices at Kirk, Huth, Lange & Badalamenti. Cathy
Kirk’s husband, Robert, is a partner in the Clinton Township firm.
After
state court officials and the attorney general’s office got involved,
Biernat, who is the chief judge of the county courts, removed the case
from George. Biernat, who typically presides over criminal and civil
cases, is now hearing it.
Caring Hearts two weeks ago withdrew
from the case, and its withdrawal was formally accepted Monday. Attorney
Terry Gilsenan was named temporary guardian, and Freedom Health was
hired to provided care for the couple.
Gilsenan said at the hearing he does not wish to be appointed permanent guardian.
Attorney Frank Cusumano attends the hearing over the guardianship and conservatorship on Monday in Macomb County Probate Court.
JAMESON COOK--THE MACOMB DAILY
Adamszek said after the proceeding he doesn't have a proposed
guardian. He said many probate attorneys do not want to get involved due
to the publicity surrounding the case.
Adamszek's allegations
include that Robert Mitchell was allowed to drive up north by himself to
go hunting, there was expired food in the refrigerator and the house
was being partially heated with a propane tank connected to a heater.
Little's attorney, Frank Cusumano, said some of the allegations are based on hearsay, which is why a hearing is required.
Family members said the house was properly heated with a furnace.
The event was attended by about 20 supporters of the Mitchells.
(KNXV) - Phoenix -- Who is in charge at Hacienda HealthCare? It's the
question on many people's mind after the healthcare facility is back in
the spotlight after a new disturbing incident involving a patient.
A
report that several maggots were found around the surgical incision of a
28-year-old male resident has sparked a new investigation and swift
action by the Arizona Department of Health Services. On Friday, the
department issued an "intent to revoke" Hacienda's state license that
was recently issued to the facility.
The incident also has several
Arizona lawmakers demanding answers and accountability. Hacienda is the
same facility where a 29-year-old incapacitated woman was sexually
assaulted last year. Police have arrested and charged Nathan Sutherland,
a 36-year-old nurse, from the facility alleging he raped and
impregnated the woman.
As Hacienda was making changes and trying
to rebuild trust within the community, the new investigation has several
lawmakers concerned and outraged.
State Senator Heather Carter
co-sponsored Senate Bill 1211. The bill gives the state direct authority
to go in and take action themselves, instead of just being an agent of
the federal government.
Carter said she was "floored" when she heard about the incident involving the maggots.
"Absolutely floored. I have no words. It is unacceptable. We have to do something and that is what we're doing," said Carter.
Carter is also questioning who is really "calling the shots" at the facility.
"The
oversight for this facility in terms of day to day operations - yes you
have the staff - but ultimately the Board of Directors oversees it. All
roads in both these cases lead straight to the board. All roads lead to
the board," said Carter.
Carter said she echoes a statement made
by Governor Doug Ducey in February, referring to the incident at
Hacienda. In an interview with ABC15's news partner KTAR, Ducey said the
system meant to protect vulnerable members in our community was not
working.
"It's inherently broken and that's why I want to fire the
senior management and remove the board. I think we've got good,
hard-working employees in there that want to do the right thing, but
this has just been terrible leadership, terrible management, and
terrible oversight" said Ducey.
Since those strong words from the
Governor, ABC15 has reported on several resignations and job
terminations from Hacienda. From then CEO Bill Timmons, to chief
operating officers, department directors, and several members of the
non-profit organization's board of directors, some of them said they
were stepping down because they felt "ineffective" as a board. In an interview with ABC15, former board member Dr. Kevin Berger said
he hoped other board members would follow suit and step down as well.
"Especially
now with all the resignations, I think there is no other choice but to
have everybody resign, to re-structure, and to start again. We have to
hit a reset," said Berger.
A spokesman for Hacienda has confirmed that three original board members remain at Hacienda today.
Senator
Carter is questioning why they are still there and why so many other
seats remain empty months after the resignations of other board members.
"I
think there's a tremendous concern with the board. The same board that
was in place when the horrific rape of a vulnerable patient occurred is
still in place now, when we have this second horrific situation.
Something has got to be done," said Carter. "Right now there are so many
vacancies on the board, I don't understand why they're not moving
swiftly to fill those vacancies," she added.
Arizona State Senator Victoria Steele (D) from Tucson said she does not believe patients at Hacienda are safe.
"This is inexcusable, this is dangerous and we have to do something.
It is our responsibility at the state level to do something," said
Steele.
Governor Doug Ducey's office issued a statement Friday,
saying in part: "The care and safety of patients is a top priority. Our
state agencies, including the Department of Health Services, the
Department of Economic Security, and AHCCCS, are on-site to investigate.
We are getting all the facts on this deeply disturbing allegation and
we will take appropriate action to ensure accountability and the highest
level of care for patients."
ABC15 reached out to Hacienda
officials to get answers on the vacant board positions, and to request
interviews with current board members who remain. All of our requests
have been denied. A spokesman said, "I will let you know if my client
chooses to offer answers."
Carter says at the end of the day, no
matter what happened at Hacienda, all responsibility for patient safety
lies with these three board members who are still in charge of
overseeing the facility.
"Something has got to be done to add
people to the board to make sure there is proper oversight of the
day-to-day quality measures that need to be in place for the facility to
be functioning," said Carter.
She added that she would like to
see patient safety advocates, family members with loved ones inside the
facility, healthcare experts, and those with first-hand knowledge of
patient care included in the new board to oversee Hacienda.
Many in the community have been asking why this facility remains
open. State officials say the answer is complicated. Many of the
patients housed there are some of the most vulnerable and "medically
fragile" people in our community. Moving them would be very difficult
because there are not many places that offer the kind of care that
Hacienda is equipped to handle. However, they say patient safety will be
their number one focus as they determine how to proceed in light of the
new investigation.
Carter tells ABC15 that if there are any
families who wish to remove their loved one from Hacienda, the state
will provide the necessary support to make it happen.
Full Article & Source: Maggots found under patient's bandage in Arizona
It is, or at least should be, among the highest priorities we as a society can have.
But sadly, when it comes to taking care of our most elderly citizens, we continue to fall woefully short of the mark.
In
a report released last week, Families for Better Care, a national
senior citizens advocacy group, gave Pennsylvania nursing homes a
failing grade, ranking the state an unacceptable 46th in the country
when it comes to quality of nursing home care.
That is down from 32nd in 2014, the last year a report card was issued.
The
group said its report card was based on eight measures tracked by the
federal government, including problems discovered during government
inspections, staffing levels and the number of verified complaints.
Ironically,
the Pennsylvania Department of Health said the drop in ranking was due
in part to stricter state oversight in recent years that has uncovered
issues that might go unnoticed in states in which the inspection process
is less rigorous.
Department spokesman Nate Wardle said that in
April alone, 541 inspections were done at 369 nursing homes in the
state, and those inspections resulted $206,000 in penalties.
Zach
Shamburg, CEO of the Pennsylvania Health Care Association, said the
Families for Better Care report card is based on data from 2017 and
claimed that nursing homes in the state have shown significant
improvement since.
We can only hope both are correct.
Ultimately, the responsibility naturally rests with the nursing home
owners, who must always put quality of care ahead of profits or other
economic concerns. In a perfect world, we could naively count on that
being the case.
But when it comes to health-care providers in this
region, the state and across the country, it is too often far from a
perfect world.
On Wednesday, a watchdog report from the federal Department of Health
and Human Services’ inspector general’s office indicated nursing
facilities across the country had failed to report thousands of serious
cases of neglect and abuse of seniors on Medicare, even though it is a
federal requirement that they do so.
The report estimated that in 2016, about 6,600 cases of potential neglect or abuse were not reported as required.
That is unconscionable.
Many
nursing homes rely extensively — some almost exclusively — on funding
that comes through Medicare and Medicaid, the state and federal program
for lower-income seniors.
And, to be fair, that funding has not
increased since 2014, and given the current political gridlock that
grips both Harrisburg and Washington, D.C., any drastic improvements to
the existing way of doing business seem unlikely at best.
But that is hardly the fault of elderly residents who call these facilities home.
We simply have to do better.
Wardle
said that Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has assembled a committee to look
for policies that will improve nursing home care. Those could include
mandated staffing levels, increased training for staff and
administrators, and more severe penalties for those facilities found to
be in violation of state and federal regulations.
But it is past time for discussion.
When
it comes to protecting the health, welfare and dignity of the most
venerable and vulnerable among us, the bar cannot be set too high.
It's Aussie night on Marti Oakley's TS Radio Network at 7 pm CST : Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.....really?
"Everyone involved in my fathers murder needs an orange pant suit- and be placed on visiting restrictions from their own families!
if these psychopaths ever end up in Jail , they will still have more right to life, liberty, happiness & visiting restrictions than what they allowed my father & I."
ROGERSVILLE – Shortly before the death of an 83-year-old Benia Mae
Johnson her son became suspicious of some bruises that appeared on her
body and placed a hidden video camera in her room.
Johnson, who resided in Sneedville, passed away in 2017 following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia.
Because of her condition Johnson wasn’t able to report the crimes
being committed against her, and the video wasn't viewed by family until
after she passed away.
That video, a portion of which can be seen in the online version of
this article at www.timesnews.net, revealed physical abuse committed by
Johnson’s caretaker CNA (certified nursing assistant) Melissa Stewart,
of Sneedville.
During the subsequent criminal investigation Stewart reportedly
admitted she disciplined Johnson so she wouldn't scratch bed sores.
Stewart reportedly told an investigator she would “get her by the
shoulder and shake her” and she would “be a little angry when I would
hit her or shake her” or “I tied her to the bed rail.”
Stewart also admitted to “hitting her, shaking her and bruising her hands” police said.
“I feel it is vital for the public to be informed”
Although the criminal case was tried earlier this year in a Hawkins
County courtroom, it was a Hancock County case. The jury found Stewart
guilty of five counts of felony elder abuse and she was sentenced to
three years probation. She also lost her nursing license, and will be placed on the elder abuse registry for life.”
Johnson’s granddaughter, Jennifer Kinsler of Rogersville, told the
Times News she and her family felt the sentence was too lenient, and
that Stewart deserved jail time.
Hopefully others will learn from this case, Kinsler noted, and it will help increase awareness about elder abuse.
“Much like a newborn baby, elders, especially those with Alzheimer’s
and Dementia and numerous disabilities are helpless and often completely
dependent upon another for their final life stages of care,” Kinsler
said. “As a child growing up, I was taught to always respect my elders
regardless of their physical/emotional state. As a family member of an
elder abuse victim, I feel it is vital for the public to be informed and
properly educated about the different types of elder abuse that often
occurs.”
Elder Awareness Day in Tennessee
Although elder abuse sometimes takes the form of physical abuse,
there are several type of elder abuse – a fact that Gov. Bill Lee hopes
to shine a light on Saturday by proclaiming June 15 Elder Abuse
Awareness Day.
According to the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance,
every year, an estimated 1 in 10 older Americans are victims of elder
abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Research suggests that as few as 1 in 14 cases of elder abuse come to the attention of authorities.
Gov. Lee’s goal in establishing Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Tennessee is improving that ratio.
“They are vulnerable to scammers”
A report released this past week by the Tennessee Department of
Commerce and Insurance outlined tips for recognizing and addressing
elder abuse.
“Older adults are often victims of financial fraud and identity theft
because they are vulnerable to scammers,” said TDCI Commissioner Julie
Mix McPeak. “This vulnerability stems from the wealth they have
accumulated over their careers, their tendency to be trusting, and their
increasing isolation from family, friends and caregivers. It is our
responsibility as Tennesseans to keep a watchful eye out for signs of
elder financial exploitation and promptly reporting any suspicions to
the appropriate party.”
“You have a duty to report it”
Hawkins County Sheriff's Office Detective Lt. Cliff Evans told the
Times News that so far in 2019 the HCSO has received 46 elder abuse
referrals through the Department of Human services.
“The majority of the referrals we receive turn out to be welfare
checks where people are concerned about the safety and well being of
vulnerable adults,” Evans said. “Some turn out to be more than that,
where this actual abuse going on.”
One current criminal investigation involves a Hawkins County live-in caretaker accused of physical abuse, as well as theft.
“There's actually a Tennessee law that states if you suspect abuse,
neglect or exploitation of any person, you have a duty to report it,”
Evans said. “That report goes through Adult Protective Services, through
the Tennessee Department of Human Services. They take the calls and
initiate the initial report, and we work very closely with out DHS
investigator Pam Arnold on these cases.”
Evans added, “We go out and check on the people. If it turns out to
be just a welfare check, if they're needing services, Pam will set that
up — medical, financial help, legal assistance — whatever can be done
will be done. Sometimes it's just a situation where the person doesn't
get along with their caretaker. If there's no actual abuse going on we
might be able to help that person get into another arrangement of who
their caretaker is.”
The HCSO has one detective dedicated to elder abuse investigation,
and when criminal abuse is detected, the attorney general is consulted,
and the appropriate charges placed.
In 2017 the Tennessee General Assembly mandated that each District
Attorney General's office establish a VAPIT (Vulnerable Adult Protective
Investigative Team).
Every two months police from each of the city departments meet with
the sheriff's office, DHS and the attorney general to review cases
individually and determine strategies for each case.
Twice a year the county VAPITs from the entire Third Judicial
District (Greene, Hawkins, Hancock and Hamblen counties) meet and review
their cases together.
Unfortunately many elder abuse cases can't be prosecuted because the culprits are in a different state or country.
“People in their elder years are easily scammed”
Con artists prey on the elderly, who they access on the telephone, email or other internet sources.
“People in their elder years are easily scammed,” Evans said. “We
have cases all the time involving the phone scams and the lottery scams.
We had a case not too long ago of a gentleman who sent thousands of
dollars out of state. Their generation grew up in a time when they
trusted people and they could take people at their word, and they didn't
have scammers out there constantly trying to steal people's money.
Unfortunately that's no longer the situation.”
“Check in on them from time to time”
Evans suggests that if you know of an elderly or vulnerable person in
your community, to check in on them from time to time and talk with
them to see if they need help.
“It can be any adult over 18 who is vulnerable due to any number of
mental or physical issues,” Evans noted. “It doesn't have to be an
elderly person. Just any adult that is over the age of 18, and if you
have reason to believe they are being abused in any way or financially
exploited, you have a duty to report that, the same as with child
abuse.”
“Know the signs of elder abuse”
The discovery of the abuse against her grandmother was devastating to
Kinsler and her family, and the investigative process, trial and
sentencing were long and emotionally exhausting.
“Most of us thought the bruises we saw were normal, as elders often
get these places on their arms/legs,” Kinsler said. “Little did we know
the bruises were a result of being hit, slapped, and shaken by her
professional nurse’s assistant. My grandmother was also verbally abused.
Most days no one but my grandmother and her CNA was in the home.”
Kinsler added, “She was unable to tell her children or grandchildren
of the abuse because of her mental state — Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
Throughout this almost two year process, I have learned to never judge a
book by its cover. Just because someone appears to be a phenomenal
person on the outside does not mean they have a good character or
integrity. It’s important to keep check on your elder family members,
even in the hands of medical professionals. Know the signs of elder
abuse. Document, record, or do whatever you can legally to obtain any
evidence of the abuse and report it immediately to your local
authorities as well as Adult Protective Services.”
Three Kent
County area women were in court Friday facing charges related to elder
abuse as the state attorney general kicked off the first Elder Abuse
Task Force listening tour in Grand Rapids, according to a statement from
the AG's office. (WWMT/FILE)
KENT COUNTY, Mich. — Three Kent County
area women were in court Friday facing charges related to elder abuse as
the state attorney general kicked off the first Elder Abuse Task Force listening tour in Grand Rapids, according to a statement from the AG's office.
The
three women were the first charged following the formation of attorney
general Dana Nessel's task force established in March 2019. The three
women charged include:
Cesia Huitron, 26, of Wyoming, who was
charged with a fourth degree misdemeanor of vulnerable adult abuse
after an incident where she allegedly dismissed a resident's care plan,
resulting in the resident being dropped and injured in July 2018.
Kristin
Chatman, 26, of Grand Rapids who was charged with two counts of fourth
degree vulnerable adult abuse after failing to follow a resident's care
plan that included using a Hoyer lift to transfer a resident between a
bed and a wheelchair in July 2018.
Kari Ann Yakes, 44, of Lake
City who was charged with embezzlement by an agent or trustee over
$1,000 or more but less than $20,000 after she allegedly spent thousands
of dollars on herself and her family and disregarded the duty imposed
on her by Kent County probate court following her appointment as
guardian and conservator of her own father in June 2018.
“These
three cases illustrate the incredible importance of our Elder Abuse
Task Force and the need for community awareness, dialogue and solutions
to help eliminate elder abuse in Michigan,” Nessel said in a statement.
“Residents living in nursing homes are inherently vulnerable,
incredibly dependent on others, and deserve the best care possible,
which includes following their care plans which are put in place for a
reason. Guardians are entrusted to safeguard, not raid, the assets of
those they have been appointed to protect.”
All three women were arraigned Friday morning by Kent County 61st District Court judge Kimberly Schafer.
