Milwaukee County Grandmother Embezzles $50 Thousand From Granddaughter

Guardianship is supposed to be to protect a ward and his or her assets.  A recent story shows how guardian abuse really undermines the entire system. If you know of someone abusing a ward or comingling funds please speak up to avoid cases like this one where a grandmother spent her granddaughter’s $50 thousand on cigarettes and alcohol.

Palm Beach Guardianship

• Guardians are meant to protect those who cannot take care of themselves meaningchildren and the mentally incompetent.
• Unfortunately probate courts are full of stories of bad guardians who can barely even take care of themselves.
• A recent story takes the cake though out of Milwaukee Wisconsin.

Milwaukee County Guardianship Gone Wrong: $50 Thousand Down the Drain

• Prosecutors say a grandmother lied about her criminal past to be named guardian of her granddaughter’s estate after the girl inherited her grandfather’s life insurance benefits.
• The granddaughter had just inherited $50 thousand from the woman’s ex-husband (the girl’s grandfather).
• According to both criminal and civil charges that are now filed, within five months the woman had spent all the money on alcohol, cigarettes, wigs, back rent and dozens of cash withdrawals.
• What do you think she did with the cash?
• Could it get any worse?
• The woman spent some of the money on her current husband who is in jail for molesting the ward!
• Last month prosecutors charged her with embezzlement and contempt of court she pleaded not guilty and is free on $500 bail!
• Only $500 bail, is that serious?

The Probate Case

• The daughter’s interests were pursued in Milwaukee county probate court.
• In 2013 a probate case was filed and the grandmother never showed up, leaving the daughter with a default judgment of $150 thousand.
• Who do you think brought the suit if not her guardian?
• Do you know how useful that judgment is against someone without any money?
• Do you think the grandmother has any money if she was able to get out on 500 dollars bond?

Take Away

1. Palm Beach Probate litigators know that the time to act against a Delray Beach embezzlement is now not later.
2. If you are suspicious, speak up.
3. Do you know your rights as a ward to a financial accounting?
4. Can a ward petition for a new guardian ?

Want to hear what a local newspaper had to say about this probate tragedy? Here is a local newspaper article about the matter. Click here.