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Grand Rapids Reporter

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

'Financial exploitation of seniors in our state was a significant concern': AG Nessel shares sentencing for embezzlement of elderly woman

Dana nessel

Attorney General Dana Nessel is fighting the financial exploitation of senior citizens in Michigan. | Dana Nessel/Facebook

Attorney General Dana Nessel is fighting the financial exploitation of senior citizens in Michigan. | Dana Nessel/Facebook

Attorney General Dana Nessel (D-Mich.) recently revealed the sentencing of three defendants after they were convicted of stealing from an elderly woman. They embezzled thousands of dollars from a 90-year-old woman in Montcalm County, according to a press release from the AG's office. 

"When I launched the Elder Abuse Task Force, we understood that financial exploitation of seniors in our state was a significant concern," Nessel said in the release. "Too often, our state's most vulnerable are exploited for their resources. My Financial Crimes Division remains committed to securing accountability in these cases and to our priority of protecting the elderly."

Teri Miller was tried and convicted by a jury in early March for one count of embezzlement from a vulnerable adult, between $50,000 and $100,000; one count of embezzlement from a vulnerable adult, $1,000 or more but less than $20,000; one count of using a computer to commit a crime; three counts of using a financial transaction device without consent; and one count of failure to file taxes.

The three defendants – Miller; her husband, Kelly Miller; and her brother, Tim Riva – were sentenced by Judge Ronald Schafer last week. Teri Miller faces 57 months to 15 years for the embezzlement between $50,000 and $100,000 count, as well as 14 months to five years for the embezzlement of $1,000 or more but less than $20,000 count. Her sentences will be served consecutively for a total of 71 months of incarceration, in addition to the $97,798 in restitution she was ordered to pay to the victim's estate, according to the press release. She still faces one count of resisting or obstructing a police officer following her arrest on the embezzlement charges. 

Her husband and brother were also sentenced. Kelly Miller pleaded no contest to two counts of receiving or concealing stolen property, $200 or more but less than $1,000. He was sentenced to 59 days in jail with credit for 59 days served and three years of probation, and ordered to pay $2,700 in restitution to the victim's estate. 

"Riva was ordered to pay $2,000 restitution to the victim's estate and is under probationary supervision until the restitution and other court costs and fines are paid in full," the press release said.

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