Muskegon woman charged with embezzlement from vulnerable adult

On Jan. 8, new Attorney General Dana Nessel charged Andrea Drew Thomas, 50, of Muskegon, with felony Embezzlement from a Vulnerable Adult in the 60th District Court.

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.

“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 $20,000.00 carries a maximum punishment of up to 10 years in prison or a $15,000.00 fine or three times the value of the amount embezzled. Thomas was arraigned Tuesday before Judge Geoffrey T. Nolan of the 60th District Court 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 24th.