(WWJ) -- A Detroit woman is facing multiple embezzlement charges for allegedly stealing nearly $25,000 from her mother and brother while they lived in nursing homes.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's office announced Monday 41-year-old Kim Carter has been charged with two counts of embezzlement from a vulnerable adult over $1,000 and under $20,000 -- felonies punishable by up to five years in prison and/or $10,000 each.
The AG's office says Carter was the guardian for her mother, who lived in Alpha Manor Nursing Home near E. Grand Boulevard and Kercheval Avenue on Detroit's east side.
Carter allegedly used her position as guardian to spend more than $17,000 from her mother's bank accounts on items not related to her mother, while also not paying for her mother's care at the nursing home, according to Nessel's office.
Carter also allegedly took advantage of her brother's assets while he was living in the nearby Boulevard Manor Nursing Home. Carter was his social security representative payee, according to the AG, and she allegedly used her position as her mother's guardian to access his bank accounts.
She allegedly spent more than $6,000 from his accounts on items not related to him or his care. Officials did not disclose what Carter bought with the more than $23,000 she allegedly stole.
"Taking on the role of guardian for a family member is most often a noble and compassionate undertaking—but it comes with legal obligations," Nessel said in a press release. "Getting legal access as guardian to the finances of a family member doesn't make that account your personal slush fund. We stand ready to take action against anyone who tries to take advantage of those no longer in control of their own finances."
Carter was charged in the 36th District Court in Wayne County on Thursday. Arraignment and a probable cause conference are being scheduled by the court.
