LANSING, Mich. – Wednesday, Richard Filbey, 62, of Ontonagon, was sentenced to 2 years of incarceration for embezzling funds from an elderly woman while acting as her power of attorney, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. In September, Filbey pled guilty to one count of Embezzlement from a Vulnerable Adult of $100,000 or More and one count of Tax Fraud and agreed to pay over $280,000 in restitution.
In late 2018, Filbey began acting as power of attorney for the 86-year-old victim. During that time, Filbey caused her to surrender two of her annuities – one for $253,194.83 and one for $27,696.70 – and used all the funds for his own enrichment. Filbey also sold property the victim owned in Lapeer and used the proceeds for himself. None of the funds were reported by Filbey as income on his Michigan tax returns.
“Those who betray the trust of vulnerable adults for their own personal gain must be held accountable,” Nessel said. “I hope Mr. Filbey’s conviction and sentence deter such predatory behavior.”
Filbey transferred three parcels of property to the victim’s estate. The sale of those properties and distribution of the proceeds will now be overseen by the probate court to go towards restitution.
