A witness told a judge this week that a series of unusual bank transfers flowed out of an elderly West Michigan woman’s accounts while attorney Traci Kornak was serving as her conservator. Kornak, who previously worked as treasurer for the Michigan Democratic Party, has now been charged by Kent County prosecutors in connection with the case.
Kent County Prosecutor Christopher Becker has authorized three felony charges against Kornak, two counts of embezzlement from a vulnerable adult and one count of false pretenses, according to FOX 17. Prosecutors say the alleged crimes took place while Kornak was conservator for an elderly resident living at an assisted living campus in the Grand Rapids area.
What witnesses told the court
At a preliminary hearing, witnesses walked through bank records and testimony that a Kent County sheriff’s audit flagged roughly $123,000 in questionable transactions during the time Kornak handled the woman’s finances. As reported by The Detroit News, court filings and testimony describe transfers into accounts linked to Kornak, large cash withdrawals and purchases that investigators say did not appear connected to the woman’s care.
State Farm checks, invoices and oversight hearings
Testimony also raised questions about billing sent to State Farm, including invoices that listed unusually high attendant hours and a roughly $50,000 insurer check that became part of the disputed paperwork. There were also concerns about invoices that used the assisted living facility’s tax ID, according to committee records. Those issues were among the documents reviewed by the Michigan House Oversight Committee during its examination of how state investigators handled an earlier review of the case.
Legal stakes and next steps
A Kent County district judge found there was enough probable cause to send the case to circuit court, and prosecutors say the three felony counts carry potential prison time and restitution if Kornak is convicted. Coverage by the Detroit Free Press notes that the most serious embezzlement charge targets an alleged amount between $50,000 and $100,000, while the other counts involve smaller ranges defined under Michigan law.
Kornak’s defense attorney has argued that prosecutors have not produced specific checks, invoices or other documents that directly tie her to theft, and several of the woman’s siblings told reporters they were pleased to see the case move into a higher court. Court officials say no trial date has been set, and prosecutors and defense attorneys have not offered further comment beyond public filings and news releases.
