LANSING – Richard Filbey, 61, of Ontonagon, was arraigned today before Judge Jennifer A. Andary in the 42-1 District Court in Romeo on five felony charges for embezzling more than $275,000 from an elderly woman while acting as her power of attorney, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
Filbey is charged with three counts of embezzlement and two counts of filing false tax returns, according to a news release from the AG's office.
In late 2018, Filbey began acting as power of attorney for the 86-year-old victim.
During that time, the state alleges he 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 allegedly used the proceeds for himself. None of the funds were reported by Filbey as income on his Michigan tax returns, the state alleges.
Filbey is being charged with five felonies:
- One count of embezzlement from a vulnerable adult $100,000 or more;
- One count of embezzlement from a vulnerable adult of $20,000 to $50,000;
- One count of embezzlement by an agent of $20,000 to $50,000; and,
- Two counts of making/permitting the filing of false tax returns.
Filbey will next appear before the Honorable Judge Andary in the 42-1 District Court for a Probable Cause Conference on Sept. 19.
