Flint Woman to Pay $500K and Forfeit Six Cars in Plea for Embezzling from Elderly Victim

A Flint woman has entered a no-contest plea concerning charges of embezzling money from a senior citizen. Constance Marie Roberts, 68, agrees to pay a hefty sum of $500,000 in restitution and give up six vehicles after admitting to embezzling from a vulnerable adult—with whom she had a longstanding relationship. Aside from restitution, Roberts is also required to make a significant cash installment before her sentencing and settle state tax discrepancies amounting to over $50,000, as described by Michigan Attorney Dana Nessel and as reported by CBS News Detroit and WNEM.

According to the Attorney General's statement, during the victim's cognitive decline, Roberts took advantage of the situation—obtaining large amounts of funds and several vehicles from his bank accounts between the years 2018 and 2021, "Older adults deserve to live their golden years free of worry and exploitation," said Nessel. She also noted that Roberts failed to report her income on Michigan tax returns, which amounted to an additional $52,215 in restitution to the Michigan Department of Treasury, as detailed by CBS News Detroit.

Initially, in a relationship with the victim who was 20 years her senior and married, Roberts reportedly transitioned from receiving monetary gifts to systematically depleting his wealth. Upon discovering the discrepancy, the Attorney General’s office charged Roberts, indicating the breach of trust had severe legal consequences for Roberts, including the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence. The victim, whose name has not been disclosed, was left vulnerable as his cognitive faculties began to wane.

The court has set a sentencing date for Roberts of Oct. 28. Before that time, in addition to the restitution, she is compelled to make a $30,000 cash payment towards the total sum, with the forfeited vehicles to be auctioned, contributing to the repayment.