September 23, 2010
A Genesee County man us behind bars today, accused of stealing nearly half million dollars from his elderly, ailing grandfather.
Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell calls it another case of elder abuse, and this morning he outlined what investigators believe happened.
Pickell says the grandson gained power of attorney over his grandfather after two other relatives who held that title died.
Investigators believe he used that power to personally spend nearly half million dollars in just one year.
Michael Miller, 42, of Burton was arrested today. A warrant has been issued charging him with one count of embezzlement of $100,000 or more. It's a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
Pickell says Miller moved his wife and kids from Arkansas to his grandfather's home in Burton's Beechwood Estates after getting Power of Attorney in 2007. The grandfather, who recently passed away in a nursing home, suffered from dementia and Alzheimer's.
Miller did not have permission to spend his grandfather's money on himself, investigators say. Pickell says in about a year, the grandfather's savings went from $447,000 down to $2.30.
Investigators believe Miller spent the money on homes he was flipping in Indiana and on 10 to 15 cars, including a Jaguar.
Pickell again gave a warning to people, telling them to watch over those who can't care for themselves. "Make sure that the people or person that's caring for a vulnerable adult, looking after their money, is making accounting of it and it's all being done properly."
Miller is being held in the Genesee County Jail pending arraignment.
(Copyright ©2010 WJRT-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
SOURCE: ABCLOCAL WJRT
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