(WWJ) A lawyer in an upscale Wayne County community could spend decades in prison after it's alleged he embezzled millions of dollars from a well-known and wealthy client's trust.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said attorney David P. Sutherland of Grosse Pointe Farms was arraigned in Grosse Pointe Farms Municipal Court on Wednesday on the following charges:
- One count of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise, a 20-year felony;
- Two counts of Embezzlement of $100,000 or more, 20-year felonies;
- One count of Embezzlement from a Vulnerable Adult - $100,000 or more, a 20-year felony.
According to the AG's office, Sutherland, 57, used his position as the personal attorney and trustee for the late Gretchen Carhartt Valade, of Grosse Pointe Farms, to embezzle millions of dollars from her irrevocable trust, by issuing himself a series of loans — all without permission.
Valade, the Carhartt heiress and philanthropist, died just over a week ago at age 97.
Carhartt is an American apparel company founded in 1889, known for its heavy-duty working clothes such as the iconic Carhartt jacket.
“Mr. Sutherland abused his authority as an attorney and trusted advisor to steal millions from a long-time client and must be held accountable,” said Nessel, in a statement. “Our elderly populations are particularly susceptible to financial exploitations, and my Financial Crimes Division is prepared to hold these bad actors accountable for such egregious and illegal violations of their client’s trust.”
Southerland received a $250,000 cash or surety bond, with the requirements that he surrender his passport and wear a GPS tether upon his release.
He will be back in court for a probable cause conference scheduled for Jan. 25.
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