Michigan woman charged with embezzlement from a vulnerable adult

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel on Tuesday charged Andrea Drew Thomas, 50, of Muskegon, with felony Embezzlement from a Vulnerable Adult in the 60th District Court in Muskegon.

The investigation, conducted by Nessel's Health Care Fraud Division, led to allegations that Thomas unlawfully used more than $40,000 belonging to a relative living in a nursing home. The amount is one of the largest embezzlement cases pursued by the Health Care Fraud Division.

Thomas apparently used the money to purchase a home out of foreclosure. The investigation began when the nursing home reported that they were not being paid for the care provided to the resident victim.

"The amount is among one of the largest embezzlements from a vulnerable adult cases pursued by the Health Care Fraud Division. "When a vulnerable adult ends up in a nursing home, I want it clear that it's not open season on their assets," said Nessel. "My office is deeply committed to protecting Michigan's senior population especially those vulnerable adults who rely on others to care for them."

The crime of Embezzlement from a Vulnerable Adult over $20,000 carries a maximum punishment of up to 10 years in prison or a $15,000 fine or three times the value of the amount embezzled. Thomas was arraigned today before 60th District Court Judge Geoffrey T. Nolan and given a $5,000 personal recognizance bond.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. A probable cause hearing is scheduled for January 17th with a preliminary exam currently scheduled for January 24.

Published: Thu, Jan 10, 2019