An Ontonagon man, Richard Filbey, 62, has confessed to committing financial exploitation against a vulnerable adult, as per announcements from the office of Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Filbey admitted in court to one count of Embezzlement from a Vulnerable Adult of $100,000 or More and one count of Tax Fraud. The victim, an 86-year-old downstate woman, was defrauded by Filbey, who had been acting as her power of attorney since late 2018. As reported by the Keweenaw Report, Filbey used his authority to misappropriate two of the woman's annuities and the sale proceeds from her property in Lapeer.
Following his guilty plea, Filbey has agreed to a restitution exceeding $280,000. Filbey, having initiated transfers of titles to three properties into the deceased woman's estate, the funds derived from these will be employed towards the restitution. This act of restitution by Filbey is intended to partially atone for using the annuities and property proceeds for his enrichment, which was executed before the unveiling of his criminal activities. The 86-year-old woman, whose trust was breached, has since passed away, leaving her estate to recoup the losses and Filbey facing the consequences of his actions. The plea was discussed by the Michigan Department of Attorney General, who highlighted the transfer of property titles to the victim's estate.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel condemned the exploitation, stating, "Vulnerable adults deserve to feel secure when entrusting their finances to an agent and not be preyed upon by those tasked with safeguarding their assets." According to the Attorney General's office, Nessel aims to ensure just restitution for the victim's family while holding Filbey accountable. "This conviction ensures the victim in this case and her family will receive just restitution while holding Mr. Filbey accountable for his actions," Nessel said, as highlighted by the Michigan Department of Attorney General's Office.
Filbey's sentencing is scheduled for October 30 before Judge Kathryn A. Viviano at the 16th Circuit Court in Macomb County. Having been initially charged with three counts of embezzlement and two counts of tax fraud, Filbey now faces sentencing on reduced charges following his guilty plea. The case's resolution, including the distribution of the proceeds from his property sales, will be overseen by the probate court towards meeting the restitution amount, as outlined by the Keweenaw Report.
