Escanaba woman allegedly stole funds from resident in veterans home

ESCANABA — An Escanaba woman turned herself into police after an investigation into missing funds from a resident at the Jacobetti Home for Veterans.

The Escanaba Department of Public Safety says the 37-year-old woman was aware of on-going investigation.

She is charged with one count of embezzlement from a vulnerable adult–$100,000 or more.  The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in jail and/or $50,000, or three times the value of the money involved, whichever is greater.

An embezzlement of this nature is crime committed against an elder or otherwise vulnerable adult who is unable to protect him or herself due to a mental impairment or advanced age.  The arrested comes on the back of a noticeable upwards swing in financial exploitation complaints involving elder and vulnerable victims.

The State of Michigan Department of Human Services and Adult Protective Services assisted in the investigation.

If you suspect a family member, friend, or other vulnerable acquaintance of being a victim of this crime, contact the Escanaba Department of Public Safety at (906) 786-5911, or the Michigan DHS at 1-855-444-3911.