(WWJ) A Livonia attorney pleaded guilty on Tuesday to embezzling money from his client's trust that was intended to help homeless pets.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced that Anthony Semaan, 64, of Grosse Pointe Park, entered a guilty plea in response to embezzlement charges issued in April.
Semaan drafted his client’s trust in 2011, the AG said, and the individual later passed away in 2013. The trust allotted 50% to the Michigan Human Society.
Semaan was tasked with distributing the funds according to the trust allocations, according to authorities. He placed a total of $262,732.68 into his lawyer’s trust/escrow account, distributed two payments to individuals named in the trust, but did not provide the Michigan Humane Society with a notice of their interest in the trust or with their 50% payment.
The AG's office said it was required to be involved in the case because it involves charitable trust provisions.
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Semaan plead guilty as charged to embezzlement of $50,000 to $100,000 which is a 15-year felony before Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Noah Hood. His conviction will also be reported to the State Bar of Michigan.
“Older individuals who use professionals for estate planning should be able to rely on those professionals to follow the law and make sure the money is distributed in accordance’s with their wishes,” Nessel said.
Semaan’s sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 9.
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