(WWJ) A Macomb County woman has been bound over for trail on first degree murder and other charges in connection with the death of a man who was in her care.
Linda Polk, a caregiver from Clinton Township was arrested last spring after a months-long investigation in the death of a 78-year old Macomb Township man.
According to the Macomb County Sheriff's Office, Polk, 52, began providing in-home care for the victim’s wife in the spring of 2021. In early 2024, the victim reportedly began to decline in health as well. Due to an illness in October of 2024, he was transferred to a local hospital and placed on life support.
After Polk was able to obtain Power of Attorney for the victim, she allegedly told hospital personnel to take him off life support, and he died a couple weeks later.
Polk never told the victim's family, and then allegedly used her attorney privileges to set up a fraudulent deed on the victim's home, embezzle a large sum of money, and use his credit cards, authorities said.
Polk was charged with first degree premeditated murder, vulnerable adult abuse, embezzlement, identity theft, and illegal use of a financial transaction device.
On Friday, the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office said 41-B Mount Clemens District Court Judge Carrie deemed there was enough evidence to bind Polk over for trial.
“These are despicable and surreptitious actions allegedly done by this caregiver to one of our vulnerable adult citizens and the family," said Macomb County Prosecutor Pete Lucido, in a news release.
"Many of our aging citizens and their families rely on the trust of caregivers in today's society. These actions will not be tolerated. This office will zealously pursue justice to to the fullest extent of the law to protect our vulnerable adults and their families from such an atrocity," said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
Polk was remanded into custody in the Macomb County Jail.
Her next court date is set for Sept. 22.